TREES from the Queen’s own collection are to be replanted in Darwen to mark the royal wedding.

An East Anglian Elm and a Sweetgum tree from The Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, have been donated to Darwen Academy and the Friends of Darwen Cemetery by head of arboretum Tony Kirkham, who was raised in the town.

The elm will be planted in the cemetery on Saturday, but details on the Sweetgum have not yet been revealed.

Mr Kirkham, 53, who used to live in the Bull Hill area, is responsible for more than 14,000 trees in the living collection at Kew.

He was first introduction to arboretums by Whitehall scout leader John East — now chairman of the Friends of Darwen Cemetery, who awarded him a foresters badge.

Mr Kirkham said: “My roots are in Darwen and if I can do anything to help, I will.

“When I come home to see my parents I hope I’ll be able to see the trees and perhaps there will be a blessing of them.”

Both trees are three years old and measure about 1.2 metres. In 75 years, they will grow to be 20 to 25 metres tall.

The Sweetgum has been grown from seed collected by Tony in North Carolina, and the elm has shown special resistance to disease.

Coun East said: “It’s spectacular that we’re getting some trees from the Queen’s collection.

"We’re highly delighted to be celebrating in this style, and want to thank Tony very much.”