A MAJOR tree-planting scheme involving children across the district is growing.

Planting will take place at 20 school sites over the coming months as part of Bradford Council's Tree for Every Child project.

And the latest phase of the initiative was kickstarted with a session at East Morton Primary School.

Fruit Works Co-operative – one of the council's partner organisations in the venture – helped year-four pupils, staff and volunteers plant trees and shrubs in the school grounds.

Headteacher, Anne Proctor, said: "The year-four children have been inspired to name our new orchard Wangari's Orchard, after they were introduced by their class teacher to 'Wangari's trees of peace' – the true story of environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Wangari Maathai.

"We are grateful to Fruit Works for the delivery of this project. The children really enjoyed getting involved in the planting and are thrilled that the 'fruits of their labour', quite literally, will be enjoyed by future pupils."

Councillor Caroline Firth – the council's assistant executive member for climate emergency, and whose Keighley East ward includes the school – said: "The youngsters clearly had a wonderful time and grasped why trees are so important, and how to take good care of them.

"This is a practical project that really does engage young people with the world around them. It gets them thinking about – and taking care of – their environment, which is so important for the future of our district and region.

"Year four will be taking responsibility for the new trees and bushes, and is proud to do so. I hope to be invited back in two years' time to help them eat whatever they decide to make with the fruit!"

The Tree for Every Child project, launched in November 2020, aims to plant 55,000 trees – the equivalent of one per primary school child in the district – over a two-year period.

A number of planting sessions will be carried out this year by Bradford Council and its project partners.

The council invested £250,000 in the programme, and invited schools and community groups to express an interest in taking part.

So far, over 40 schools have signed-up to the scheme.

The programme is being supported by Trees for Cities – which is funded by the Dulverton Trust, Prince of Wales' Charitable Fund and the Arbor Day Foundation, as well as players of the People's Postcode Lottery.