A council’s bid to plant 7,000 trees in the borough has hit the halfway mark.

More than 3,500 trees have already been planted and now five new sessions have been announced for before the end of March. The aim is to reach 7,000 trees in the coming weeks with the help of members of the public.

Councillor Zainab Rawat, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Assistant Executive Member for Growth and Development, said: "It’s absolutely brilliant that we’re already halfway to our target of planting 7,000 new trees – we are so grateful for our volunteers’ time and efforts so far.

"Community tree planting is a fantastic way of helping us to address climate change and we are thrilled with the support we’ve received from residents, schools and community groups across Blackburn with Darwen.

"Families are welcome to attend, and we are delighted to have support from One Voice whose members will be attending the third planting session on Sunday, March 20."

The sessions are being led by staff from the Council’s Environment Team and Adult Learning Services in partnership with the Forestry Commission’s Local Authority Treescape and the Ribble Rivers Trust.

Councillor Rawat added: "The Council’s Environment and Adult Learning Teams have been working incredibly hard to organise and deliver native woodland tree planting across the borough.

"We are so lucky to have open green spaces within our borough and it is wonderful to know that our efforts now will benefit future generations of Blackburn with Darwen residents."

The next five sessions have been arranged for:

Tuesday 15th March from 10am on North Road, Blackburn BB1 1AE

Wednesday 16th March from 10am at the River Darwen Parkway, Millbrook Street, Lower Darwen BB3 0PZ

Sunday 20 March from 10am at Pleckgate, Opposite the High School, Blackburn Bb1 8NR

Two further dates at locations opposite Priory Drive, Darwen BB3 3PT and Sough Road or Shorey Bank, Darwen BB3 2PN have yet to be confirmed.

There’s no need to register – just turn up on the day for all five events. Volunteers should wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear such as wellies or boots as it may be muddy.

All of the equipment you need will be available at the sessions, but if you have a spade and gloves, please do bring them along. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.