A 96-YEAR-OLD lifelong churchgoer – almost the exact same age as Queen Elizabeth – has planted two trees to mark the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee as part of a nationwide campaign.

The oldest member of Buckley Methodist Church, Marjorie Micklethwaite, planted the two trees as part of the ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ campaign – to mark the Queen having been on the throne for 70 years.

The church has sat just outside the town centre on Union Court for more than 150 years – and the trees were planted in the Remembrance Garden to the front of the building.

“I wanted to mark the Queen’s special event with a lasting tribute at Buckley,” said Marjorie.

“We have lived our lives consecutively and had many similar personal experiences – although hers have always been in the public arena.

“I’m so proud of what she has achieved over these many years.”

Both trees are indigenous, one is a bird cherry – a flowering plant in the rose family – and the other is a hazel – a deciduous tree.

The trees were provided by Pat Goodall, another member of the church congregation.

“It was important to us all to choose trees native to the UK, and which compliment what has already been planted in the Remembrance Garden,” said Pat – who regularly helps to maintain the garden.

The church will be holding a ‘royal brunch’ on June 4 as part of the Jubilee celebrations.

Residents from the local community will be invited to attend alongside church members.