Isleworth school dedicate tree to those who lost their lives to Covid and in recognition of the NHS, following Hounslow Council's final free tree giveaway.

500 trees have been given away to Hounslow residents in an initiative by the council to herald the United Nation's COP 26 global summit on climate change.

Deputy head girl at Gumley Convent School in Isleworth, Kimberly Dias, attended the final event to collect a tree which will be donated to the school.

"I really liked this initiative so I flagged it up with our school," Kimberly said.

"We will be taking the tree and dedicating it to all the lives lost unfortunately due to Covid and we want to commemorate the NHS for all the wonderful work they are doing.

"This is our way of leaving our mark on our school."

More than 160 residents attended the final collection event, according to the council, which took place at Hounslow Heath on Sunday, 16 January.

Working with partners at Lampton Greenspace 360, an array of young trees were on offer from Beech, Hazel and Hawthorn through to fruit-bearing varieties such as Pear and Fig.

Residents who registered an interest through the council's environmental web portal, Hounslow GreenTalk could collect a tree to plant in their gardens or other green spaces.

Hounslow Council's Cabinet Member of Leisure Services, Councillor Samia Chaudhary, was on hand to help give out the trees.

"It was an amazing event," said Cllr Chaudhary. "People appreciate the idea and have shown treemendous support for this project.

"If we are to rise to the challenge we all face through climate change, then everyone has a part to play. Planting a tree is a great way to get involved because it will help to cut carbon in our borough and also looks beautiful."

The move to plant more carbon-capturing trees in the borough supported the aims of the council's climate emergency declaration which will see the authority become net-zero for carbon by 2030.

The tree giveaway also forms part of a larger council plan to plant a tree for every child born in the borough each year.

Residents taking part in the scheme have been asked to add their new trees to the Queens Green Canopy initiative to commemorate Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee this year.