THE TOP dog in British banking swapped the city for the suburbs to plant a tree in the leafy surrounds of a children’s hospice.

Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, took time out of his busy schedule on Thursday (June 29) to visit Haven House Children’s Hospice, in Woodford Green.

He planted the tree in the sensory garden in recognition of the Bank raising over £34,000 for the hospice this year.

Bank staff spent their time last week clearing the gardens at Haven House in preparation for the Summer fair on Sunday (July 2).

Mr Carney met severely disabled children being cared for at the hospice, and was also shown the tree planted by the Earl of Cromer, a former Governor of the Bank and British Ambassador to the United States in 1974.

Earl Cromer is among more than 100 notable public figures to have planted trees in Haven House’s arboretum, when the estate was home to the Mallinson family.

Mr Carney said: “The Bank of England is proud to support Haven House Children’s Hospice as one of our charities of the year.

“The tree I have planted today marks our partnership and celebrates the contribution of Bank staff who have been offering support to the children with life limiting conditions and their families at Haven House."

Harry Luxton, 17, who uses Haven House, said: “It was really nice to meet the Governor. He was really friendly and gave me some useful career advice to always follow what you like to do.”

Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive of Haven House, said: “The Bank of England has been phenomenal in their support for Haven House with staff continuing to fundraise and volunteer at our hospice.

“We are also delighted that Governor Carney has restarted our proud tradition of tree planting by public figures and statesmen in our historic grounds.”

Haven House is situated at The White House in Mallinson Park which Sir Winston Churchill visited frequently during his time as MP for Woodford.

Sir Winston is among several statesmen to have trees planted in Haven House’s arboretum.