CHILDREN from all over Bolton have started phase two of an ambitious plan to plant more than 25,000 new trees.

Ten areas around Bolton have been selected for tree planting in a bid to create millennium woodland sites across the borough.

When the project is complete, it will create 10 hectares of new woodland.

And the aim is for each school to be no more than 1 miles away from a site.

According to organisers, the scheme will create new wildlife habitat, reduce air pollution and help cut down on noise.

Cllr John Byrne said: "It's very pleasing to see so many children involved in a scheme that will benefit the whole community.

"The new woodland will also be a valuable educational resource that children can study and learn from."

The scheme was launched in November 1999.

Over the past 12 months, 1,700 pupils have planted trees in Sharples, Farnworth and New Bury.

The project is being organised by the Leisure Services Tree and Woodland section and is sponsored by Fort James.

A number of other partners are involved including the Red Rose Forest, Forestry Commission and the BEN.