A TREE planting project launched over two years ago is nearing its target.

Bradford Council’s Tree for Every Child programme began in November, 2020, with the aim of planting 55,000 trees – the equivalent of one per primary school pupil in the district.

The current total stands at around 45,000, and a further planting session is taking place next week.

Bradford Council trees and woodlands team and the Trees for Cities project are spearheading the programme in partnership with Fruit Works Co-operative, Bradford Environmental Action Trust, Forest of Bradford and YORgreencic.

Schools and community groups were invited to participate, and several in the Keighley area have been involved.

As part of the scheme, pupils also learn about climate change and protecting the planet.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, the council's portfolio holder for healthy people and places, says: "Tree for Every Child has been an exciting and fulfilling project for everyone involved. It has proved how children, young people and wider communities can work together to achieve something amazing and valuable for our district and the climate.

"It's also been extremely heartening to see how enthusiastic and engaged people have been in giving up their time to help with the planting."