The first seeds of a village’s community orchard project have been sown.

Led by Earls Colne’s Women’s Institute Group, the scheme will see a total of 30 trees planted in publicly accessible locations throughout the village.

The first was planted at Earls Colne Primary School, in Park Lane, on Friday, with a little help from a group of enthusiastic schoolchildren and Halstead’s MP James Cleverly.

Jayne Meleschko, climate change ambassador for Earls Colne WI, said: “In response to the issue of global warming we thought we would start a project to plant trees around the village.

“We wanted to plant the trees on accessible land so people could pick the produce when it is ready.

“We went around and asked various groups like the school, the church and the owners of some of the allotments if we could plant a tree on their land.”

The first tree was an apple, but there will be plenty of variety once all of them have been planted, with quince, mulberries, plums and many more tasty treats on offer.

Mrs Meleschko said: “We have raised enough money to plant them all this winter.

“The money has come from our own fundraising, we have been selling jam and chutneys, as well as community grants from our Braintree District councillors Chris Siddall and Gabrielle Spray.”

Representatives from all of the groups involved were at the primary school to watch the first tree be put in the ground. Some of the trees could bloom next year.

Mrs Meleschko said: “The planting was a great start and a real celebration of the community.

“Mr Cleverly kindly attended to plant the first tree and was so good with the children.”