An oak tree was planted in celebration of Save the Children reaching its 100th anniversary.

A group of charity representatives and volunteers marked the centenary year by adding another tree next to nine they had planted at St John’s Arboretum to mark the 90-year anniversary.

Its patron Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney did the honours of giving the sapling its new home.

Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture members came as guests with Minister Geoffrey Boot MHK.

Rosemary Walters of the charity said: ’We’re very proud of what Save the Children does worldwide.

’We planted nine trees in the forest for the 90th anniversary and thought it was very fitting to put a 10th tree to mark the centenary.’

The significance of an oak tree, she said, was that it’s ’long-lasting and a very strong tree’, which matches Save the Children as a charity.

’The charity has achieved an enormous amount in the last 100 years,’ she said.

’We planted the tree for future generations and for the environment, as the charity is really helping to give children a better future.’

Since 1919, the charity has worked to protect children in more than 120 countries.

This includes the Isle of Man and UK, at times providing food, shelter, medicine and education in emergencies and disasters around the world.

It also helped to create the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child and works hard to provide protection and security for children around the world when most in need.

Save the Children Isle of Man launched a challenge in the centenary year, which looks for 100 partners to pledge support for the charity this year.

Organisations and individuals are being invited to raise or donate a minimum of £100 to the charity.

For more information, contact Rosemary on 621491.