A location has been chosen to plant the first of 12 memorial trees funded by a regional daily’s appeal.

As reported on HTFP in August the Burton Mail’s Pennies for our Heroes campaign raised more than £2,500 for 12 trees, which will be installed at various locations in honour of fallen soldiers from its patch.

The campaign, which began when the Mail was relaunched in April, saw the newspaper call upon its readers to donate their small change to the cause and more than 200,000 pennies were handed in to its office.

After discussions with South Derbyshire District Council, the Mail has announced that the first three trees are due to be planted at N1 Golfing Centre, off William Nadin Way, in Swadlincote.

Editor Emma Turton said: “It is great to have the location in South Derbyshire for the memorial trees.

“Here at the Mail we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of people in South Derbyshire and East Staffordshire. More than £2,500 has been raised in total.

“Not only has it allowed us to buy trees to remember those who fought for this country, but also to donate money to two great causes – the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.”

A date for a ceremony marking the trees’ installation will be confirmed at a later date.

Neil Atkin, pictured above left, chairman of South Derbyshire District Council, said: “So many heroes in the armed forces have come from South Derbyshire and we are extremely proud to honour them in any way we can.

“The golf centre is yet another South Derbyshire business which has signed up to support the Burton Mail’s wonderful campaign and we’re delighted that the memorial trees will be planted there.”