THE Royal Navy is to leave a lasting memory in Lancashire by planting oak trees at a school in Preston.

Captain Dave Nickisson, a Royal Navy careers officer, planted the saplings at the Archbishop Temple School, in St Vincent's Road, as part of a national environmental boost by the service.

During the 16th Century the navy was responsible for widespread deforestation as swathes of woodland were chopped in order to build the British fleet.

Now, naval officers are planting trees as recompense for the damage caused.

Captain Nickisson said: "The oak tree is very much a symbol of national pride and these trees will hopefully have along and healthy future ahead of them.

"The children are also our future and we hope projects like this will not only make them more environmentally aware, but also give them the chance to explore the wide-ranging careers on offer in the Royal Navy."