FIVE trees have been planted in Halesowen’s Hurst Green Park as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative.

The trees were donated to Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris thanks to a partnership between the Woodland Trust, Sainsbury’s and ITV.

Mr Morris has joined more than 500 other MPs to plant trees as part of the Canopy scheme, a network of forest conservation initiatives to mark Her Majesty's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.

The trees - two silver birch, two rowan, and a hazel - have been planted by Mr Morris and volunteers from the Friends of Hurst Green Park.

Back in April, ITV screened The Queen's Green Planet documentary, launching an ambitious legacy project that brings together the monarch’s commitment to the Commonwealth and her little-known love of trees.

In support of the programme, the Woodland Trust provided 50,000 trees for ITV viewers, and via the Rt Hon Frank Field MP, who conceived the QCC initiative, also offered a special commemorative pack to every MP in the UK.

Mr Morris, one of 508 MPs who took up the offer, said: “Parks and open spaces are really important to our local communities, and making sure they cleaner, greener, and safer has been a priority of mine.

“That’s why I was pleased to see this project being supported nationally, and thrilled to ask the Friends of Hurst Green Park to help give this project a local touch.”

Woodland Trust Chief Executive Beccy Speight said: “We are delighted so many MPs have decided to join us in our bid to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.

“We all need trees. They are a cornerstone of our landscape and countryside, forming an essential and cherished part of our cultural identity.

“I hope the residents of Halesowen and Rowley Regis will enjoy watching them flourish as part of this wonderful legacy initiative.”