AN avenue of trees have been planted along the A49 in south Herefordshire to celebrate Prince Charles' 70th birthday.

The 70 trees have been planted between Peterstow and Bridstow, near to Ross-on-Wye, on land owned by Prince Charles' estate, The Duchy of Cornwall, and farmed by tenants.

The Prince, who celebrates his 70th birthday on November 14, visited the county to look at the trees - there are 35 on each side of the road.

The avenue in Herefordshire is the first of three commemorative avenues being planted by the Duchy - the other two are due to be completed in Somerset and Cornwall by the end of March.

Geraint Richards, head forester at the Duchy of Cornwall, said: "There seems no better way for the Duchy of Cornwall to commemorate (or celebrate) His Royal Highness The Duke of Cornwall’s 70th birthday in 2018 than by planting avenues of trees at high profile sites on Duchy land.

"His Royal Highness is well known as a champion of the countryside and nothing symbolises the present as well as the future as the planting of trees."

The trees are protected by sweet chestnut tree guards using the Duchy’s own timber and all the work has been carried out by the estate woods team, led by Mr Richards.

Mr Richards added: "Five different types of tree have been planted, all protected by tree guards made from sweet chestnut grown on the Duchy’s Hereford Estate.

"We are delighted by the final look of the The Duke of Cornwall’s Avenue and we have already received positive feedback from local people. We hope that the avenue will bring much happiness to passers-by as the trees mature and the colours change from season to season."

The Duchy's Hereford Estates incorporate The Guy's Estate and The Cradley Estate. The Guy’s Estate extends to 4,601 hectares and covers some 15 miles from the southern end at Ross to just north of Hereford, including Harewood Park.

Prince Charles took over the management of the Duchy when he turned 21 in 1969.