ANDOVER Trees United (ATU) organised a Peace Day procession in its community-planted woodland, Harmony Woods.

The event was attended by five local schools — Portway Junior School, Endeavour Primary School, Knights Enham Junior School, Icknield School and Harrow Way Secondary School.

In all, 34 children, and 25 of their teachers and parents joined the procession.

ATU volunteers thanked the participants and students from two other schools (Appleshaw St Peter’s and Andover C of E) who had hoped to join the event, but could not due to various reasons.

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Andover Advertiser: From the Andover Trees United's Peace Day event held at Harmony WoodsFrom the Andover Trees United's Peace Day event held at Harmony Woods (Image: Contributed)

Test Valley Mayor Cllr Philip Lashbrook, and Mayoress Cllr Linda Lashbrook also attended the event.

Representatives from long-term ATU supporters, Stannah, were also in attendance.

Around 20 volunteers of all ages, from the ATU community and representatives from local businesses via the Natural Business Network, helped make the morning run smoothly and ensured that the event was very special.

Andover Advertiser: Test Valley Mayor Philip Lashbrook and Mayoress Linda Lashbrook chat with the volunteersTest Valley Mayor Philip Lashbrook and Mayoress Linda Lashbrook chat with the volunteers (Image: Contributed)

There were many homemade cakes to be eaten, and lots of delicious fresh fruit.

The sun was shining and the autumn colours were bright against the blue sky, as the two giant white doves made their way through the woodland.

The procession began at 10am and was followed by the planting of a commemorative oak tree by the mayor, who also gave a heartwarming speech.

The commemorative oak tree was also decorated in painted wood shards by the schoolchildren.

Peace doves were then decorated with messages of peace and hung from the trees, and refreshments were enjoyed.

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ATU has been celebrating the day alongside Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots and hundreds of other individuals and organisations around the world on September 21 of each year since 2018.

Dr Jane Goodall is a UN ambassador for peace and world-leading primatologist who founded the global youth organisation, Roots & Shoots.

Every year, Roots & Shoots invite youth organisations from around the world to take part in a UN Peace Day procession on September 21.