AN OAK tree has been planted in a New Forest village to celebrate its close links with Norway.

Visiting clergymen from Scandinavia often attend church services at Beaulieu, which also hosts summer bonfire parties to mark Norway's independence.

The tree was planted by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu and members of the Hampshire Anglo-Scandinavian Society.

A Beaulieu Estate spokesman said: "The society was formed in 1973 and currently has about 120 members in Hampshire and the New Forest. Their activities are aimed mainly at maintaining the Scandinavian traditions and promoting the countries' cultural inheritance."

The estate's head forester is Neil Edmondson, whose wife Jean started the Beaulieu activities during her presidency of the society. Born in Denmark, she was visiting her English grandparents in Gloucester in 1969 when she met her husband-to-be. They were married in 1971 and lived in Wales before moving to Beaulieu 25 years ago.

Lord Montagu said: "The oak tree planted in Beaulieu Church Meadow is a lovely and enduring symbol of the great friendship between our countries."