A COMPANY has teamed-up with primary schools across the Keighley district for a tree-planting initiative to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Steeton-based Acorn Stairlifts contacted schools in the area offering to donate saplings for their grounds – and to help plant them.

The venture was part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, a national scheme to 'plant a tree for the jubilee', commemorating the monarch's historic 70-year reign.

Schools that took-up the offer were Ingrow, Steeton and Long Lee primaries; Merlin Top Primary Academy and Eastwood Community School.

Pupils were actively involved with the planting, together with staff from the schools and Acorn employees.

And journalist and broadcaster Harry Gration, who is fronting a new advertising campaign for the firm, was present at three of the planting sessions.

"It was great to see the children’s enthusiasm and help them plant the trees," said Harry, who retired from the BBC in 2020 after a 40-year career.

"Maybe in years to come they’ll have their own children at the schools and be able to show them the trees that they planted."

Acorn operations director Nick Wilson, himself a former pupil at Long Lee Primary School, said the company had been delighted to work with schools in the area on the planting initiative.

"I think we’ve all learned that we can do our bit to help the environment – now and for the future," he added.

In addition to its support of the planting initiative, Acorn also looks after a number of mature trees in the grounds around its factory, offices and car parks at the Millennium Business Park in Steeton.

The Queen’s Green Canopy is encouraging individuals, groups and businesses to get involved in the national project.

"It is a unique tree-planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee which invites people from across the United Kingdom to participate," said a spokesperson.

"Everyone from individuals to Scout and Girlguiding groups, villages, cities, counties, schools and corporates are encouraged to play their part.

"With a focus on planting sustainably, the Queen's Green Canopy will create a legacy in honour of Her Majesty's leadership of the nation, which will benefit future generations.

"In addition to the planting of new trees, we are dedicating a network of 70 ancient woodlands across the United Kingdom and identifying 70 ancient trees to celebrate the 70 years of service."

For more about the Queen's Green Canopy, visit queensgreencanopy.org.