STAFF from Sidmouth’s branch of Waitrose were delighted to plant a tree to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the supermarket chain joining the John Lewis Partnership.

Partners who work for the firm’s 290 outlets across the country decided to celebrate the special anniversary in the same way.

In Sidmouth, in consultation with the district council, it was agreed to plant a monkey puzzle tree at the Three Cornered Plot.

The iconic monkey puzzle is under threat and dates back to Jurassic times.

A number of partners attended the official planting ceremony last Thursday.

Waitrose and John Lewis joined forces in October 1937.

Now the John Lewis Partnership has more than 84,000 partners working in more than 290 Waitrose branches and 39 John Lewis stores.

Profits and benefits created by success are shared by the partners.