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Caerphilly Miners’ Centre has been gifted a tree on behalf of the late Queen Elizabeth II through the Queen’s Green Canopy scheme.

The scheme was launched to coincide with the late monarch’s Platinum Jubilee last summer, three months before her death.

On February 17, the centre was presented with a weeping birch tree by Brigadier Robert Aitken CBE, the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent. The tree was planted a few days later.

The Miners’ was chosen by the Lord Lieutenant as one of three recipients across Gwent – a decision approved by the Queen herself before her death.

It’s been described as a “huge honour” by those connected with the centre, which is marking its centenary this year.

Based at the former Caerphilly Miners’ Hospital, the Miners’ Centre reopened as a multi-use community centre in 2015 and now offers a host of leisure and educational activities.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about why he wanted the Miners’ to have the tree, the Lord Lieutenant said: “This is one of the best examples of a vibrant community organisation in Gwent.”

He added: “There is also a Royal association because the King came here five years ago as the Prince of Wales, and he would be delighted to see the improvements made here since he first visited.”

The centre’s secretary, Katherine Hughes, described it as a “tremendous honour” and said it was “nice for the centre to be appreciated”.

She added: “It’s nice somebody has noticed the efforts in the centre. Everybody has worked really hard to make it a place where people want to be.

“What I like about this is that it’s for the whole centre. It’s great for our gardening group, but also to commemorate the work of everyone – that’s why we’re so glad to be recognised.”

Jenni Jones-Annetts, a trustee at the centre, echoed Mrs Hughes and said: “It shows how highly regarded the Miners’ Centre is in the county.

“The tree is a special addition to our climate change garden and hopefully people will watch it grow and remember our late Queen.”

Among the attendees on the day were pupils from Cwrt Rawlin Primary School and Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg y Castell.

Caerphilly County Borough Mayor Liz Aldworth also attended, as did Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert – himself a former trustee at the centre.

Cllr Aldworth said the centre’s history is “held with great affection within Caerphilly and the wider borough” and thanked its volunteers, especially the gardening group, for the work which has been done to transform the grounds of the former hospital into what it is today.

Meanwhile, Mr Cuthbert said the tree showed how far the centre come in recent years.

“All tribute to the trustees, governing body and secretary for the outstanding work now being recognised.

“As part of the visit, we had a tour of the centre and its grounds and it’s clearly remarkable the hard work to make the Beeches building into the first class facility it is today.”