TRANSATLANTIC relations in the Chilterns were honoured with a new tree.

A planting ceremony in Chalfont St Giles was held to commend the work of American Rosalie Martell, founder of the Chilterns American Women's Club (CAWC).

Mrs Martell, 65, a former Iver Heath resident, had crossed the pond to attend the ceremony last Friday outside the National Society for Epilepsy in Chesham Road, and stressed the group's importance.

She said: "When you come into a country, it is so different and our group is able to help newcomers straight away to settle in. We give them a home base and contacts out into the community and help them so they do not put their foot in their mouths."

Mrs Martell said she was surprised to honoured by the CAWC after becoming its first president when it was formed from the Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross Women's Clubs in 1987.

The former CAWC president said: "I was really touched that they did this. And it has been wonderful to see a few old friends."

Mrs Martell came to the UK in 1969 when her husband was posted as a teacher at a school for the US Army before returning to America in 2001 to retire in North Carolina.