On the first day of spring last week, a new small leaf lime tree appeared in Ely Park. It was planted by a dozen eco warriors and eco champions from the top two years at Ely s St Mary s Junior School with the help of East Cambridgeshire District Council s

On the first day of spring last week, a new small leaf lime tree appeared in Ely Park.

It was planted by a dozen eco warriors and eco champions from the top two years at Ely's St Mary's Junior School with the help of East Cambridgeshire District Council's parks and open spaces team Spencer Clark and Emma Pratt.

Also there were Ely's mayor Councillor John Ison and fellow city councillors Sheila Friend Smith, Philip Eden and Shirley Overall.

Cllr Friend Smith, who is chairman of the Ely in Bloom group, said: "Anglia in Bloom organisers asked towns and cities to plant a tree on the first day of spring and we were among 13 who responded.

"The trees were donated by a local firm, Barcham Trees, so we were particularly pleased to be taking part."

Ely in Bloom supporters will be in action with various schemes throughout the city ready to greet judges during July.

In the past two years, they have awarded bronze and silver awards to Ely for its environmental efforts.

Anyone interested in helping with Ely in Bloom should contact Cllr Friend Smith on 01353 663118.