An historic avenue of lime trees, which were first planted more than a century ago to commemorate a royal occasion, will be reinstated in Wootton Bassett’s High Street this month.

The avenue will be returned to its original number of sixty when three new common lime trees are planted.

The trees were planted in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, and it is thought up to half their number have already been replaced, having died off or through felling.

Head groundsman Ralph White said: “It will be lovely to see the trees back up to sixty again.

“They are such a striking part of the High Street and are now an interesting and very visible part of the town’s history.”

All the trees will be re-numbered and tagged as part of the Town Council’s plans to update their survey map and maintenance operations.

Permission from Wiltshire Council was sought to carry out the work as the High Street is designated a conservation area.

Each December the Lime trees are adorned with multicoloured lights as part of the town’s Christmas decorations.

Wootton Bassett Town Councillor, Chris Wannell was responsible for starting this custom and first organised a team of volunteers to decorate the trees approximately 30 years ago, which they did for about six years and it was a sight to which the town looked forward.

The tradition is now carried on by the Town Council.