A downpour failed to spoil a tree planting ceremony at Victoria Park in Finchley today.

The Etchingham Friends had raised £6,000 to replace the trees that used to line the park’s north-south path that runs from Etchingham Park Road and Seymour Road to Long Lane.

Friends chairman Brian Plen said: “A couple of years ago, the council had originally wanted to let the park out for private parties.

“We didn’t want that and put a stop to it. It was on the high of that campaign that we came up with tree planting.”

The path used to be lined by oaks planted by the Finchley Society in the 1960s but only two remained.

So the society made donations for the new trees along with contributions from Manorside School, the Rocking Horse nursery and residents.

The money paid for a variety of trees, including 13 traditional oaks, two liquid ambers, one prunus and one crab apple.

Pupils from Manorside School and the Rocking Horse nursery attended the ceremony along with deputy mayor Bridget Perry and other councillors. Seven members of the Pratap Shakha youth club were also present.

Using a silver spade, the trees were planted by Councillor Perry, Bhupendra Dave of Etchingham Friends and the pupils of Manorside School and Rocking Horse Nursery.

Mr Dave’s son Gopal said: “It’s really nice for him to be part of it. I have fond memories of the park, meeting friends, playing cricket and learning to ride a bike.”

Trees were also dedicated to loved ones and other members of the community. Jean Scott, the founder of the Finchley Society, had a tree planted in her name.

Mr Plen said: “We planted trees for grandchildren. It will be a huge and stunning effect with the trees 25 metres tall and 20 metres wide.”