THE pupils of South Petherwin Primary School were delighted to welcome North Cornwall MP to their very special tree planting.

The school has been kindly gifted a beautiful cherry tree by the people of Japan through the Sakura Cherry Tree project.

It is hoped that the tree will serve as a strong symbol of hope and of the friendship between the people of Japan and the people of the United Kingdom.

Theresa Mills, headteacher of South Petherwin School, told the Post: “I was so proud that South Petherwin School was chosen to be a recipient of one of these very special and beautiful trees. The values behind the Sakura Cherry Tree project align closely with the values of our school. We will watch it grow and blossom with joy.”

Explaining more about the project, Keisaku Sandy Sano, chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree project, said: “The trees are a gift from the Japanese people to the people of the United Kingdom.

“It is hoped that they will grow and be enjoyed for years to come. 

“The planting of these cherry blossom trees across the parks, villages, town and cities of the United Kingdom, when we are in the midst of the sadness of the COVID crisis, is a strong symbol of hope and of the friendship between the people of Japan and the people of the United Kingdom. 

“Your trees should blossom for many years, bringing colour and joy.  We hope that each year, they can be at the heart of a festival in your community to welcome the coming of Spring.

“This lasting legacy shows that even in the darkest days, we are planting and planning for the future and that as these trees grow and flourish they will enrich our lives and future generations.”

The children welcomed their local MP on the day, who helped them plant this very special tree.

MP for North Cornwall Scott Mann said: “On behalf of North Cornwall I would like to extend my thanks to the Japanese people for their wonderful gift. I really enjoyed the planting ceremony and meeting the children and staff at South Petherwin School.”