Tree-mendous fun was had by children at a synagogue in Chigwell by planting a tree and creating their own fruitastic kebabs.

Children from the Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue Nursery, Limes Avenue, planted the camellia in celebration of the New Year for Trees known as Tu Bishvat.

The festival falls on the fifteenth day of the Hebrew month of Shevat which is traditionally associated with growth and renewal.

Headteacher Melanie Kaye said: “What better way to mark the occasion than with a tiny new sapling planted by our wonderful children who are our hope for, and link to, the future.”

After the tree was planted the children had a fruit-party where they tried sharon fruit, dates and pomegranates.

Mrs Kaye said: “We have all had such a lovely morning, and we could not have done it without the hard work of the staff, and amazing generosity of parents who provided such a wonderful array of fruit for our children to enjoy.”

The children also made orange juice and created their own fruit kebabs.

“I was delighted to see so many of our youngsters enjoying Tu Bishvat in a traditional way which only adds to the wonderful atmosphere,” added Mrs Kaye.