YOUNGSTERS from four schools have helped to plant more than 1,000 trees in Mellor.

The project, known as Elwood, is part of an initiative to increase East Lancashire's tree cover.

The area only has half the national average of tree cover, and 100 pupils from primary schools in Salesbury, Balderstone, Osbaldeston and Mellor planted the trees off Saccary Lane.

So far. almost 6,000 trees have been planted at the site, and the latest collection was added as part of National Tree Week.

Finlay Hodge, the owner of the site, said: "Once the trees start to grow, the site could become a valuable resource for schools and other local groups, helping to teach young people about the rich variety of habitats and wildlife found in this part of Lancashire."

This season, more than 150 hectares will be planted in East Lancashire through the Elwood programme.