Andover Trees United (ATU), in partnership with Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots, hosted a World Peace Day procession on Friday, September 20, at Harmony Woods, a community-planted woodland in Andover.

The event brought together students from five local schools: Portway Junior School, Clatford Church of England Primary School, Knights Enham Junior School, Icknield School, and Harrow Way Secondary School.

Test Valley Mayor Ian Jeffrey and Mayoress Maura Jeffrey joined the celebration, which featured a range of activities promoting peace, unity, and environmental stewardship.

ATU’s Wendy Davis led the events, alongside Roots & Shoots' director of outreach, Jasmina Georgovska.

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The procession began at 10am and was followed by the planting of a commemorative oak tree by the mayor, who also gave a heartwarming speech.

The commemorative oak tree was also decorated in painted wood shards by the schoolchildren.

Peace doves were then decorated with messages of peace hung from the trees.

The event concluded with activities and refreshments for all attendees.

Since 2018, ATU has marked the annual UN Peace Day in collaboration with Roots & Shoots, a global youth organisation founded by renowned primatologist and UN ambassador for peace, Dr Jane Goodall.

While the official Peace Day falls on September 21, this year’s event was observed a day early to accommodate the weekend.

ATU’s event is part of a global initiative that encourages young people to participate in peaceful actions, aligning with Roots & Shoots' mission to foster environmental and humanitarian awareness among youth.