The final piece of Winckley Square gardens restoration has been put into place.

An English Oak has been planted to mark the 100th anniversary year of North West Lancashire’s Chamber of Commerce.

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The tree planting was part of the first Preston Business Improvement District networking event – the Hangout – coming back to the Square.

More than 200 guests packed into a gazebo on the new hard-standing area in the gardens to shelter from the drizzly Preston weather on Thursday (26 January) morning.

Chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce Babs Murphy told Business Lancashire: “Today marked two momentous events and as such it was only fitting that these were shared with our members, and the wider business community.

“The Winckley Square rejuvenation project has been a huge success, and with our continued support via the Business Improvement District, will continue to be so.

Read more: Lancashire House in Winckley Square could become flats

“Officially marking the end of the Chamber’s 100th year by planting and dedicating a tree to the organisation was a significant occasion, one that will be noted in the Chamber’s history-books for all time. I am delighted with how splendid the gardens and surrounding areas look and that they can now be enjoyed by generations to come.”

The tree was planted by the High Sherriff of Lancashire John Barnett MBE.

He said: “It looks tremendous, and it gives me enormous pleasure to officially install the last tree in dedication to an organisation that has supported and representing the business community of North & Western Lancashire for 100 years’.”

Read more: Official reopening of Winckley Square after restoration

A plaque will be added to the tree once it has become established in the Square.