A POSITIVE legacy for the future has been planted along a Flintshire football ground to mark a royal celebration.

66 have been planted alongside Flint football stadium in accordance with the number of years Her Majesty's the Queen has been head of the Commonwealth.

David Hanson MP was pleased to attend the planting of new trees to form the Queen’s Canopy as part of an international programme to promote environmental legacy.

The trees were provided through a coalition between Flintshire council and the Woodland Trust, Sainsbury's and ITV. In April, this partnership screened a landmark documentary, The Queen's Green Planet, which followed the Queen and this ambitious legacy project which brings together her deeply held commitment to the Commonwealth and her little-known love of trees.

David Hanson MP said: "It has been a pleasure to work with all involved to secure the new Queen's Canopy in Flint. This will be a fitting mark of action in Flintshire tackle against climate change in support of The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy project.

"I am grateful to Flintshire County Council for adding to the collection of trees donated by the Woodland Trust. Combining the trees together will create a new place for people to gather, sit and enjoy our town."

Cllr Carolyn Thomas, cabinet member for streetscene and countryside said: The council is pleased to support the project to plant trees near Marsh Walk in Flint, which will enhance the area for the local people, whilst also contributing to the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy project, raising awareness about the importance of trees and our woodland areas across the world. I am looking forward to seeing these trees grow over the years adding wildlife and landscape value to the area."

Beccy Speight, Woodland Trust chief executive said: "We are delighted so many MP's 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.

"They are crucial in improving soil health and water quality, reducing carbon, trapping pollutants, slowing the flow of flood water, sheltering livestock, providing a home for wildlife or a space for us to breathe. I hope the residents of Flint will enjoy watching them flourish as part of this wonderful legacy initiative."

Mike Coupe, Sainsbury's CEO, said: "As the Woodland Trust's largest corporate partner, we're committed to raising awareness of the importance of the UK's woods and trees, and contributing to their conservation.

"I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by woods, so trees have a particular resonance with me. Sainsbury's recently planted it's three millionth tree with the Trust, and the thought of being able to get so many more in the ground as part of the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy with the support of so many MPs is an exciting prospect."