THE planting of oak trees on land in Westhoughton is set to start a local tradition of honouring British naval hero Lord Nelson.

Chris Houghton, managing director of IT services company Eventura, recently set up the Bolton branch of the Royal Society of St George, an organisation which dates back to the 13th century and is non-political and all about pride in England.

So, as Eventura is building new premises in Bolton Road on the site of the former Cross Guns pub, Mr Houghton and RSSG felt that it was timely to plant oak trees in honour of Nelson’s birthday on September 29.

The company funded the trees, which were sourced by Vix’s Gardening & Maintenance Services and have come from the same orchard that produced the trees for Nelson’s famous flagship, HMS Victory.

Mr Houghton said: “Eventura wanted to replace any trees felled as part of our development, but also take the opportunity to honour a great Englishman.”