A SAPLING carrying the royal seal of approval has been planted by children in Southwold to kickstart the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Dozens of young people from Southwold Primary School gathered at St Edmunds Green to plant a royal oak from the Queen's Sandringham estate.

Deputy town mayor John Windell provided a helping hand to the youngsters who have agreed to look after the tree in the years to come.

A further two trees will also be planted at the site by the Southwold Allotment Society over the course of the Jubilee weekend to revitalise the area.

Teacher Kristina Harling, who accompanied more than 40 children on the day, said: 'The children had a good day and got on really well. They plan to go back and look after the tree by watering it in the future.

'We will also be doing other Jubilee activities such as making the bunting for St Edmunds Church.'

Mr Windell said: 'It was a little event for the children really. I told them 'when you are my age you will be walking past the tree and you will remember this moment'."

Children at Southwold Primary School will be presented with Jubilee mugs by the mayor of Southwold Michael Ladd today.