KEITH Wilson and Richard Jones are the men who will create Burnley's Millennium Forest by overseeing the planting of a million new trees.

The £3.5 million, lottery-funded project aims to double the size of the borough's woodland by the year 2001.

Keith, 43, the new woodlands officer, has held the same post in Bolton and has for many years been a voluntary ranger in the South Pennines. Tree officer Richard, 27, is a lecturer from Myerscough College of Agriculture.

They're responsible for planting a network of woods around Burnley as well as an urban arboretum - a wide-ranging collection of tree species. They will also replant and restore existing woods.

Keith said: "I see this as a mission to help recreate woodlands for people to use and enjoy and understand the wider long-term benefits of bringing back trees to our landscape.

"The Forest of Burnley will have environmental benefits and could help create jobs."

Richard said: "The chance to develop an urban arboretum is rare and a great opportunity. We will bring to Burnley a wide collection of native and exotic trees.

"This is a wonderful challenge and a job in a million."

The forest scheme will be launched at Towneley Hall on Bank Holiday May 26, when people are invited to enjoy a range of woodland activities and find out how they can get involved in the project.

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