The first in a series of trees have been planted at an Alfreton park as part of a lasting memorial to those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.

Three Himalayan birches were planted along the main footpaths at Alfreton Welfare Park today (Friday, January 27) on Holocaust Memorial Day.

The idea is to form a double avenue of trees along the footpaths, with successive Mayors planting them over the coming years.

The avenue will be a long-lasting memorial to the Jewish men, women and children who lost their lives during the Holocaust.

The first trees were planted by Councillor David Taylor, Mayor of Amber Valley, who said: “It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be the first Amber Valley Mayor to plant these inaugural trees.

“Long may they help us to reflect on the terrible things which happened, and to remain thankful for a safer, better future.”

Chris Beal, landscape maintenance manager for Amber Valley Borough Council, is leading the project.

He explained: “The Mayor did the initial planting, and the idea is that every year from then on, whoever is the Mayor will take on the commemorative role of planting a further tree.

“It will be a long-lasting monument to all those who lost their lives under persecution – the avenue will be there forever more. It should take us 10 to 14 years to complete the avenue.”

Picture credit – Amber Valley Borough Council