A MAJOR environmental scheme to make Rossendale a greener place to live to mark the new millennium is taking root at the area's Groundwork Countryside Centre.

Hundreds of trees are being nurtured at the Rawtenstall centre for planting around the Valley.

Yesterday the first of the maturing trees were planted in the centre's newly-landscaped garden by Mike Kinsella, of Pilsworth Environmental Company. The firm has given £38,000 towards the cost of improvements at the centre.

The day also gave members of the public the chance to add any of their unwanted seedlings to the "forest fund" and enjoy wood-turning and craft displays.

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