THE first steps have been taken to transform a barren feature into an oasis of hope and remembrance.

Local dignitaries were invited to plant the first of up to 1,000 memorial trees at the Markland's Reservoir site, Horwich, yesterday in an ambitious scheme by Bolton Hospice to breathe life into the desolate plot of land.

The charity is inviting families to sponsor a tree on the site, which they will be able to plant in memory of a loved one with a commemorative plaque attached.

More than 40 invited guests watched as local dignitaries planted the first of many trees which will make up the Life for a Life memorial forest at the plot of land off George's Lane.

Chaplin of Bolton Hospice, Reverend Stephen Neal, hosted a small dedication service, describing the newly planted trees as "saplings of hope that will grow into mighty trees," adding that the scheme would be a "wonderful gift for generations of visitors".

The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Susan Hodgkiss, was the first to take up a spade for the good cause, followed by representatives of the hospice and local organisations, including the Bolton Evening News.

Representatives of Greater Manchester Fire Service, Greater Manchester Police and the armed forces turned out to dedicate trees on behalf of their respective groups.

Families will be able to leave a message alongside their dedicated tree on a small plaque.

It is hoped interest in the scheme will be boosted when information packs are included with all death certificates collected from the town's register office.

Fundraising Co-ordinator at the Bolton Hospice, Debra Graham, said: "We hope the bulk of dedications will come from this. It will be very sensitively handled and tastefully done."

The charity hopes to plant up to 1,000 trees on the land, donated by United Utilities, raising almost £300,000 in the process.