A RARE tree has been planted in an Ellesmere beauty spot in memory of Princess Diana.

It replaces an earlier one that had been planted in April 2018 by Councillor Diana Andrews when she was the town mayor.

Current Ellesmere Mayor, Cllr Anne Wignall, who planted the new tree, said town councillors were determined to replace it.

“This was one of the last civic duties performed by Cllr Andrews,” she said.

“She acquired the tree on behalf of the town council and personally went up to Tudor Griffiths and collected the big stone that the plaque was attached to.

“The plaque simply read: ‘Planted in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales’.

“It was a lovely gesture.

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“When the original tree died, councillors were determined to replace it and sought advice from Shaun Burkey, Shropshire Council’s northern countryside and heritage sites manager.

“We wanted a tree that would suit the conditions in the Cremorne Gardens.”

The carefully chosen tree, Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Princess Diana’, forms a broad, upright small tree with pale young foliage and abundant white flowers in spring, followed by bluish purple edible fruits, much loved by birds.

In the autumn, the tree puts on another show as the foliage blazes red, yellow and orange, offering four seasons of interest.

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Shaun added: “This tree is a real gem.

“It is a fine addition to the diverse range of trees we continually add to The Mere and a fitting memorial to a much-loved princess.”

On entering the Cremorne Gardens from the promenade, the young tree can be found to the right of the path supported by stakes and surrounded by a metal cage.

A new plaque will be attached to the stone in due course.