A memorial woodland has finally been planted after a community campaigner stored the saplings for months in his garden.

Children, invited guests and a former soldier were all on hand to help plant the longed-for 240 trees in Wandle Park, Colliers Wood.

The small woodland will commemorate the 240 young men from Colliers Wood who died in the First World War.

Keith Spears, who fought for the woodland and stored the saplings in his garden until he got permission to plant them at the weekend, said: "It is absolutely wonderful to see it finally done.

"I think it is ironic that because of the delays and publicity more people have come out to help us with planting."

One of those who got in touch was former soldier Raoul de Bunsen, from Abbey Road, who said it was an honour to remember fallen comrades in this way.

He said: "As an ex-serviceman, it's a privilege and an honour to plant trees in memory of those who fought and died in the First World War."

Youngsters from Singlegate Primary School, the mayor of Merton alongside Merton Tree Wardens and members of Friends of the Earth and Sustainable Merton helped to plant the native species including hazel, wild cherry and silver birch.

A petition organised by Mr Spears, the founder of Making Colliers Wood Happy, attracted 100 signatures in support of the woodland after delays with other organisations in agreeing where the planting would take place.

A vote organised by Merton Council asked residents where they would prefer to see the trees planted.

The saplings will need plenty of water over the next few weeks while they settle into the ground.

The planting took place from Thursday, April 16 to Sunday, April 19.