A NEW tree is to be planted in York's King's Square by a pensioner who remembers playing there as a child.

Joyce Douglas, 82, who is still a keen gardener, has been invited to do the honours at next Tuesday's ceremony by City of York Council.

A weeping ash tree which stood in the square for 80 years was felled last year because of concerns over safety.

But a young mulberry tree has been given to the council by Lewis Tree Surgery of Wheldrake and this will be planted at a special ceremony by Mrs Douglas, who was born at 1 Shambles in 1919.

Her family ran the well-known George Ackroyd's furniture shop and sale rooms at the top of Shambles.

She also remembers a church which stood near her home and said she often played in the churchyard that occupied King's Square in the years of her early childhood.

The two remaining lime trees were also originally in the churchyard in the 1800s, well before the church was demolished in 1937.

Mrs Douglas said: "I was very disappointed when the tree had to be removed last year - I regularly walk through King's Square and the trees bring some of the country into the heart of York.

"However I am delighted to be invited to help with this planting ceremony and hope that this new tree will bring much pleasure to residents and visitors in the future."

Mrs Douglas will be helping the council to plant the tree at a ceremony with the Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Shn Braund, and the council's arboricultural officer, Harvey Lowson.

Mr Lowson said: "We are honoured that Mrs Douglas has agreed to plant the tree and I would love to think that I will still be planting trees when I am in my 80s.

"The donated mulberry tree should make an attractive tree and not grow too large as the square is partially shaded by buildings."

A safety inspection on the previous weeping ash tree in the raised brick planter last September established that it was in a poor structural condition and needed to be removed for safety reasons.

The new tree will have protective railings constructed around it and a commemorative plaque fitted to mark the occasion.

Updated: 11:09 Saturday, March 03, 2001