A HOMELESSNESS charity has been given a special tree from the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC).

Emmaus Brighton and Hove has joined over 300 organisations from across the UK who were recently announced by the QGC as recipients of the trees in the Queen’s name, which are presented in a pot embossed with Her Majesty’s cypher.

Presented by Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex Andrew Blackman, the tree will be planted during a special ceremony at the community’s site in Portslade, outside Hove.

The tree becomes part of the living legacy in honour of the late monarch, joining over a million trees already planted across the UK as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy.

Chief executive of Emmaus Brighton and Hove Karen Chapman said: “We are thrilled to be chosen for this honour. We have worked over the last 25 years to support people who have experienced homelessness, offering them a home, meaningful working experience and support and are so delighted to be recognised in this way.

“We hope that the tree will stand as a living testament to our work for many, many years to come.”

Emmaus Brighton and Hove offers up to 57 people who have experienced homelessness a home for as long as they need it and meaningful work in its social enterprises.

The charity superstore in Portslade is a second-hand and vintage shopping destination which has furniture, vintage clothing, home-grown plants and a much-loved café.

Its work places a big emphasis on sustainability, with kitchen waste being recycled in the onsite composter, and everything sold in the shops is either made on site or second-hand.