Pupils from Princes Primary School and All Saints Primary School have been involved with the development of the site for the past 19 months, throughout its construction. Their involvement has included burying time capsules during the early stages of the build, touring the completed build, and attending talks given by ambulance crews on topics such as Bonfire Night safety and water safety.

The work forms part of a wider initiative, run jointly with construction firm Wates, to strengthen community relationships in the local area while celebrating the development of the new state-of-the-art ambulance base, which was officially launched in September this year.

To mark the latest milestone, children from each school visited the site last week to plant a cherry tree dedicated to their school.

Head of Special Operations Matt Calderbank said: “Working with both schools has been a valuable part of the project from the very beginning. The activities we have worked on together have really piqued the children’s interest in the ambulance service and helped educate them about what we are about and when to use 999.

“These trees planted symbolise that partnership and the positive impact, and we’re proud to have created something that the next generation can feel part of.”