MEMBERS of a Keighley-based Muslim group have braved the recent bitterly cold conditions to plant more than 350 trees.

Nine volunteers from Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Keighley (AMA) carried out the planting on the lower field of East Riddlesden Hall, which is set to open for the new season next month.

AMA said it got involved in the planting to help engender a sense of responsibility to the environment.

The project in the grounds of the Riddlesden attraction formed part of a national tree planting initiative by Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA), which is being run with the Woodland Trust.

The national scheme, which the Keighley Ahmadiyya Muslims are part of, has seen at least 25,000 trees planted in 2017. These include oak, birch, willow, poplar and alder.

Dr Adeem Rubani, youth leader with Keighley AMYA, said: “Our members are committed to doing their bit to improve the environment and beautify the communities we live in.

"It is a cause close to our hearts because Islam places enormous emphasis on taking care of the environment and particularly on the planting of trees.”