ANDOVER charity, Purple Oak Support, will be receiving a special tree from The Queen's Green Canopy (QGC) "Tree of Trees" as a thank you for all their hard work.

Purple Oak Support is delighted to receive this special tree which stood tall as a message of hope, regeneration and optimism to the nation and the world as part of the Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations.

This charity joins over 300 selected organisations from across the UK that were recently announced by the QGC as recipients of these special trees in The Queen’s name, which will be gifted in aluminium pots embossed with Her Majesty’s cypher.

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Gifted trees and pots are to celebrate the work of these organisations and inspire the next generation of tree planters across the nation.

The tree gifted to Purple Oak Support was a part of just 8 other organisations that were also given trees across Hampshire and was presented by Lady Louisa Portal, on behalf of Mr. Nigel Atkinson, The Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire.

Iris Andersen, President of Purple Oak Support, said: "We have been gifted this legacy, this tree that grows and it is a great honour for the charity to receive one of these trees of trees. It is something that will always be treasured and enjoyed that recognises all the hard work the charity does to support people."

Originally known as Andover and District Mencap, Purple Oak Support, receiving this gift is recognising the support they have provided for roughly 7,000 adults and children throughout Hampshire with learning disabilities. 

Lisa Rogers, CEO of Purple Oak Support said: “We are busy deciding on the perfect spot for our marvellous new Alder tree and look forward to sharing the details of the official planting. I would like to thank Iris Andersen, honorary president of Purple Oak Support for her efforts in nominating us and following the application process through to its successful conclusion. We look forward to cherishing this for years to come.”

Purple Oak Support has been serving the communities of Andover and surrounding areas for over 55 years and is based in the Wellington centre.