PARISHES are going greener as they celebrate 50 years of the second Elizabethan era.

To mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee, Ryedale District Council is offering a free tree to every parish in the district.

The idea is to plant them, before the end of the year - and planting ceremonies are now expected across the district.

The offer includes a young tree, possibly a "whip" up to 90cm in height, plus a grow tube with a stake and a small bag of mulch.

The trees should be planted in prominent positions within individual parishes on public land where possible.

The jubilee trees will have to be planted in the autumn but parish and town councils have until the end of the month to apply.

"The trees give people the opportunity to make a lasting commemoration of this special event," said tree and landscape officer John Clayton.

Applications for trees must be made to Mr Clayton at Ryedale District Council before the end of June