Parents, family and friends were invited to see children from the new reception class at Culford School plant a tree to mark the start of their educational journey.

The independent school, near Bury St Edmunds, also commemorated the new class’ first half term at school with a special plaque.

The new tree is particularly special as it was grown over the last two years from an acorn from the oldest tree on the Culford estate.

The so-called ‘King of the Park’ oak tree was planted in 1591, and is still a central feature at the school today.

The school said the pre-prep pupils are looking forward to watching their tree grow throughout the year, and are already anticipating picnics there next summer.

Sarah Preston, headmistress, said: “This is the fourth year we have planted a tree for the reception class and we aim to keep the tradition going.

“The idea is that the tree grows with the class as they move through Culford and they are able to come back and visit it every year until they finish school.

“We hope one day this tree will grow as tall as the King of the Park.”