PUPILS, teachers and parents from a Horsforth primary school joined the National Elm Tree Experiment yesterday.

The Westbrook Lane Primary group planted disease-resistant elms in the school grounds and on King George’s Field on Wednesday. They were joined by Horsforth Cricket Club, which donated tree funding, and experts from Leeds City Council’s Parks department.

The planting aims to establish disease-resistant elms to be monitored by pupils.

Headteacher Amanda Turner, said: “The Great British Elm Experiment, run by the Conservation Foundation, offers us the opportunity to reach into the community and connect with our local surroundings by planting trees on our open space.

“We will also plant an elm tree in the school grounds to form part of a tree trail, helping pupils understand the history, uses and importance of trees.”

UK elms were almost wiped out by Dutch elm disease in the 1970s/80s.