A memorial native oak tree has been planted at Northgate High School in Ipswich, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR).

The planting took place on Holocaust Memorial Day, and formed part of a nationwide campaign called 80 trees for 80 years.

Ipswich Star: Students gathered to help commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.Students gathered to help commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. (Image: Archant)

The school was chosen as one of only 80 sites across the UK, due to its contribution to Holocaust education and their close association with survivor, Frank Bright MBE.

Ipswich Star: Frank Bright MBE, a Holocaust survivor, regularly speaks to Northgate students about his experiences.Frank Bright MBE, a Holocaust survivor, regularly speaks to Northgate students about his experiences. (Image: Archant)

AJR CEO, Michael Newman OBE, said: “As well as helping to mark the heritage of our members and a place of historic interest associated with them, the planting of this tree enables the AJR to give back to and create a living legacy within the country that became home to the Jewish refugees.

Ipswich Star: The school was chosen as one of 80 in the UK to have a native oak tree planted.The school was chosen as one of 80 in the UK to have a native oak tree planted. (Image: Archant)

"Britain’s native oak trees are in decline and new trees are desperately needed. We hope these 80 special trees will be appreciated by future generations and provide natural habitats for other native species for many decades to come.”

The site of the tree at Northgate High School will form part of an outdoor classroom area for public speaking and sharing stories.

Ipswich Star: The memorial is part of the 80 trees for 80 years initiative to commemorate the anniversary of the Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR).The memorial is part of the 80 trees for 80 years initiative to commemorate the anniversary of the Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR). (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Frank Bright MBE, speaking at the tree planting ceremony.Frank Bright MBE, speaking at the tree planting ceremony. (Image: Archant)