STUDENTS at Woodhey High School have celebrated the memory of the Duke of Edinburgh by taking part in a tree planting ceremony.

On what would have been the Duke's 100th birthday, the Ramsbottom-based school joined ten others from Greater Manchester in remembering his legacy at a ceremony organised by Sir Warren Smith, Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester in partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Greater Manchester Team.

DofE participants from Woodhey planted a tree in the school grounds and were joined by the Mayor of Bury, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Karan Lee and Bury North MP James Daly who each helped to plant a tree to commemorate The Duke’s life.

65 bluebell seeds were also scattered at the base of the tree to represent 65 years of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The tree planting is one of a host of initiatives throughout Greater Manchester to celebrate The Duke’s DofE legacy.

At the ceremony, Mr Daly said: “The Duke of Edinburgh was a remarkable man, and he created and ran a remarkable scheme to ensure every person, no matter their background could achieve.

“His life and his legacy were dedicated to helping people achieve their potential, and the young people here today have proven they are willing to take on that challenge."

A further 1,200 trees will be planted later in the year to celebrate the life of The Duke.

Helen Foster, the DofE Director for the North, said: “Young people are facing the toughest challenges, to their mental health and future prospects, and the DofE has never been more needed. By celebrating our founder’s birthday and HRH’s exceptional legacy we celebrate

the amazing achievements of every young person who is doing or done their DofE.

"I thank every organisation that has contributed to young people’s success and look forward to working in partnership to realise our new strategic ambition – to give one million more young people the opportunity to do their DofE in the UK by 2026.

“I’d also like to say a massive thank you to Sir Warren Smith, Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester for his generous support of young people and continued commitment to the DofE.”

The Lord-Lieutenant added: “The Greater Manchester Lieutenancy are very pleased to be able to support this important initiative for young people. For over 60 years The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme has created a unique opportunity for young people to enhance

themselves and gain self-confidence in a way that will support them for the rest of their lives”.