Bradford on Avon Preservation Trust has planted a community orchard hoping it will bring the town’s people together – particularly youngsters.

Twenty two trees, mostly apple, were donated by trust members and planted on Sunday by pupils from St Laurence School as part of SkillForce, a charity which inspires young people to succeed.

The field where the trees were planted was recently transferred to the trust from Wiltshire Council and was named Hen’s Orchard – after the two women who founded the trust in 1964 and who were affectionately known as The Hens.

Simon Relph has been a member of the trust, which aims to preserve Bradford’s special character and appearance, since moving to the town more than three years ago.

He organised Sunday’s celebration and said it was important to have the youngsters there as the trees would grow as the youngsters grew and become part of their heritage.

“The trees are going to produce a lot of fruit... and will be accessible for the whole of the town to share. The Preservation Trust always looks to improve the quality of life for people living in Bradford.”

The event on Sunday also celebrated the agreement with English Heritage, under which the trust will manage the Tithe Barn, making it available for community events.

Sunday was the first event in the trust’s calendar marking its 50th anniversary,