A new tree has been planted outside Ipswich's Civic Church as part of a Commonwealth initiative to provide a green canopy to mark the Platinum Jubilee earlier this year.

The Silver Birch, which was grown from seed by a member of the congregation at the church, is part of the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee Green Canopy Project. But it will also be a lasting memorial to the late Queen.

The tree was planted by the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton and a plaque will be laid in the coming weeks.

Ipswich Star: High Sheriff Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton plants the new silver birch at St Mary le Tower churchyard.High Sheriff Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton plants the new silver birch at St Mary le Tower churchyard. (Image: St Mary le Tower)

St Mary le Tower's royal connections go back to 1200 when the town Charter, given by King John, was read in the Tower Churchyard.

One of its current altar frontal contains fabric from King George VI's coronation robe. 

Following the Queen's death in September the church received thousands of mourners and was a focus for grief and remembrance in the town holding the Ipswich Borough Civic Commemoration Service ahead of the State Funeral.

Vicar Rev Tom Mumford said: "I think it is very fitting that a memorial tree to Her Late Majesty will stand in this historic churchyard for many years to come.

"I hope it will be a place that people will be able to come and remember and to give thanks for a life of such steadfast duty and service. My prayer is that it will encourage others towards lives of public service and dedication to the common good."