IT’S a case of third time lucky for a new elm tree which has been planted at Mistley War Memorial.

An original horse chestnut at the site was blown down in the great storm of October 1987.

The tree was planted to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII.

A replacement tree was planted the following year, but it failed to flourish and died.

Mistley Parish Council was left to consider a number of options, including replacing the tree, installing a beacon or commission a metalwork canopy to go over the hexagonal seating.

In the end it was decided to go for another tree and after consultation with Tendring Council’s tree and landscape officer Clive Dawson a disease resistant hybrid variety of elm was selected.

Martin Rayner, chairman of Mistley Parish Council, said: “This third tree on the site was planted earlier this month and we are hoping it will stand the test of time.”

Tendring Council provided half the cost under its tree planting grant programme.

Fred Nicholls, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for corporate enforcement, added: “This is a prominent site at the bottom of New Road opposite Mistley Towers and we were pleased to be able to work with the parish council on this project.”

Mistley Thorn Residents’ Association (MISTRAS) has agreed to water the tree for the next two years.