A GROUP of Navy veterans from Warrington are to plant a rare tree in the National Servicemen's Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The Australian pine tree was thought to be extinct until it was found in a valley in Australia.

There is only one other tree of this kind in the UK, believed to be in Gloucester.

The Warrington Royal Navy Association is appealing to any veterans from the service or family of veterans to join them.

Twenty Navy veterans from the Second World War will travel to the 150-acre memorial ground in Lichfield next month.

Steve Brotherton, secretary, said: "The tree will be invested in their memory and be there for future generations over the next 50-100 years.

"It's somewhere you can go and reflect and relive memories."

Veteran John Bebbington, aged 82, from Fearnhead, will make the journey to the site to plant the tree.

He said: "I'm always grateful for memorials dedicated to all the lads that lost their lives.

"My father was in the First World War and I was 18 when I went to war in 1942."

Mr Bebbington, who served on the Atlantic and Russian convoys said he would be thinking of the 64 fellow servicemen that died on the way back to England at Christmas 1944.

"That was a very sad Christmas. I feel very, very, very lucky to have survived.

"I remember them every Christmas and will be thinking of them when we go to plant the tree."

The tree will have a plaque dedicating it to all Warrington Naval personnel.

The memorial site used to be a quarry until it was given to the British Legion, and the veterans hope one day itwill become a forest.

The trip to Staffordshire will last for most of the day, and will involve the planting of the tree, a walk around and chance to visit the museum that is based at the site.

l Anyone interested in going should contact Steve Brotherton after 1pm on 824504 or 0781 7771024.