Wildlife broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough presented pupils and staff at a primary school with a rare tree.

The conservationist, writer and presenter of BBCs Frozen Planet, gave the black poplar to St Andrew’s CE Primary School, Matilda Street, Islington, to commemorate national tree week.

Children from year six joined Islington’s Mayor Cllr Phil Kelly for a ceremony in Thornhill Crescent.

Black poplars were once common in Britain, but there are now just 2,500 left in the UK.

Campaigners hope to revive their fortunes by encouraging local planting.

Cllr Paul Smith, executive member for environment, said: “Sir David’s black poplar is a wonderful addition to Islington’s trees, and I hope it will be standing tall for many years to come.”