FIFTY years of entertainment is being marked by the planting of 50 trees.

Harrogate International Festivals is marking its anniversary by joining forces with renowned tearooms Bettys and Taylors for the green initiative.

“Trees are such a powerful, living, beautiful way to celebrate the life of a loved one, or a unique gift to mark special occasions in your life, such as a wedding or landmark birthday," said Lizzie Brewster, the Festivals appeal co-ordinator.

"There’s a great synergy between the idea of planting a tree and music. Both transcend time and carry meaning, both are unique and beautiful.

"The trees symbolise too an investment in the future of our Festival, to keep culture alive for future generations. The arts, like trees, enrich all our lives.”

The first 25 trees, acers, have been planted on the Slingsby Walk Stray annnd Lizzie added: "They will be a beautiful addition to the Stray and a wonderful long-lasting way to mark a moment, memory or family member and we’d like to thank Harrogate Borough Council for their support in sourcing and planting the trees.”