A tiny piece of British royal heritage is taking root at a school in Broadstairs.

An oak sapling cloned from a tree on one of the Queen’s estates has been planted in the grounds of Upton juniors to commemorate Her Majesty becoming the country’s longest reigning monarch.

The tree was planted in the Upton grounds by pupils Lola, Kelsie and Willow with help from school volunteer Roy Bashford.

The girls and fellow members of the Upton Environmental Club will tend the tree as part of their after school and lunchtime club sessions.

Mr Bashford said: “The clubs are popular with pupils and there are a dedicated group of volunteers who help us out. It is important for our children to respect and help sustain our environment.”

Head Teacher Michaela Lewis said: “This is one of many clubs we run at Upton and it is popular with our pupils who work year round in our garden and allotment.”

The tree was provided as part of the ongoing nationwide planting programme to celebrate the Queen’s jubilee.

* For more information contact Mrs Lewis on 01843 861393; and Rhodri Walters on 01843 602762