CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride proudly took part in a nationwide initiative on Friday, December 9, to mark the extraordinary life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by planting a tree in her memory in Copplestone.

The Queen’s Green Canopy created a living legacy by planting one million trees to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee last year, with thousands more being planted this year during the tree planting season from October 2022 until March 2023. 

Mr Stride planted a Scots Pine sapling in the Dave Pullen Memorial Field in Copplestone.

The location was organised by local Mid Devon District Councillor Stuart Penny, with approval from the Copplestone Recreation Association.

Cllr Penny said: “On behalf of everyone in the village I am delighted that Mel chose to honour Her Majesty by planting a tree here in Copplestone.

“Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her life to public service and I was very pleased to join Mel in taking part in the Queen’s Green Canopy 2022.”

Mr Stride said: “I was incredibly fortunate to spend just a little private time with Her Majesty when I served as Leader of the House of Commons.

“Her warmth, sense of humour and interest in those around her put me at ease right away. I hope this small tribute demonstrates the affection and gratitude of all my constituents to an extraordinary lady.”

Mr Stride’s tribute to Her Majesty in the House of Commons, shortly after she passed away in September, can be viewed at: www.melstridemp.com/queenelizabeth . 

For more information about the Queen’s Green Canopy visit: www.queensgreencanopy.org .