ORGANISERS of a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee community orchard in the Byes will get a helping hand from the 1st Sidmouth Guides tomorrow.

Youngsters will help plant a stretch of wild harvest hedging consisting of 420 trees.

Other guiding packs from the region, and members of the Trefoil Group, also plan to join.

Trees including hazel, blackthorn, crab apple, elder and dog rose are being supplied by the Woodland Trust as part of their Diamond Jubilee plans.

“The Byes are an important part of our community which we love to use for our guiding activities, and it will be a marvellous legacy for us to participate in the planting here, and know that we have contributed to the beauty and wildlife for all,” said Friends of the Byes chairman Michael Horsnell.

l RESIDENTS have been praised for keeping a caring eye on the community orchard.

Mr Horsnell allayed the fears of one dog-walker over the possible theft of trees on Wednesday.

He pointed out a contractor was carrying out some realigning work and all was well at the orchard.

Mr Horsnell said: “The orchard is planted by the community for the use of the community and a lot of kids have been involved. If people in the community are looking out for it, that is a good thing.”