WOMEN'S Institute members in Dunster have paid a belated tribute to the Queen to mark her 60 years on the throne.

Former branch president Beryl Priddle came up with the idea last March of commemorating the diamond jubilee by planting a tree in the grounds of Dunster Castle.

But the planting had to be delayed because of a landscaping project being carried out by the National Trust, which owns the historic building.

So WI members finally had the chance to formally commemorate the special anniversary this week when the tree - an oak - was given the chance to throw down its roots.

The six-foot tree had been potted and cared for in the castle's nursery since being bought last year.

"We were approached by the WI who chose the castle as their site for the tree because of the historic links between Dunster WI and the Luttrell family over the 94 years of its existence," said castle administrator Stephen Hayes.

"Our head gardener Robin Andrews had intended more tree planting in the grounds as part of the management of the parkland but because the landscaping caused an inevitable delay, it has become a rather belated celebration of the jubilee."

Mr Hayes said the oak was chosen because it was seen as the quintessential English tree and it also featured in the National Trust logo.

The jubilee oak is the first of the new tree planting to take place at the castle.

And it was planted by Anne Luttrell, wife of Julian, a descendent of the family who owned the castle for more than 600 years.

Mrs Priddle, on the left, said: "From little acorns large oaks do grow - albeit very slowly!

"It's taken a little while for our WI jubilee oak to be planted but it's well worth the wait to see our plan come to fruition."

The event was followed by tea with a tree-shaped cake in the castle.