JAMES Howlett answered the plea to "Plant a tree in '73'' and has carried on tree planting ever since.

In the past 23 years, James, 46, has created a mini woodland around his home in Chislehurst Grove, Burnley, starting in his own garden and then branching out to spare land and even neighbours' gardens.

As part of BT Environment Week '96, Mr Howlett will continue in his efforts to "green'' the area around his home by working on the creation of a wildlife pond.

James, who this week started work as an assembly operative at Lucas, said he had lost count of the number of trees he had planted over the last twenty-odd years.

James, who also works as a gardener, said: "It all began when they were using the '73 slogan and I planted a tree at my parents' home where I was then living.

"Since moving here I have planted one-third of a mile of council land three trees wide.

"I must have planted a few hundred now, trees of every variety you can think of.''

He is now creating a wildlife pond on land adjacent to a footpath on the estate.

All the work has been done single-handed but is appreciated by hundreds on the Kibble Bank and Clockhouse estates.

James is married with three children and when not busy working, planting or pond-making he finds time to support Burnley FC.

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