A TRAIN operator has donated £20,000 towards tree and woodland conservation projects

For the eighth consecutive year, train company First TransPennine Express (FTPE) has joined forces with the Forestry Commission (FC) to give community environmental projects across the region the opportunity to win a grant of up to £2,500 to help them make green-fingered improvements to their local area.

The competition is open to community groups, charities, schools and other individuals who allow open access to their land.

Applicants can apply for up green grants for environmental projects such as tree planting, habitat restoration and wildlife protection or enhancement.

A team of judges, comprised of FTPE and Forestry Commission representatives, will carefully consider each application.

Factors to be taken into account will be the involvement with, and impact on, the local community, as well as the overall positive environmental impact and proximity to FTPE stations.

In addition, the panel will look at sustainability, clear identification of the costs, and photos that support applications.

Iain Peacock, environment and safety information manager for FTPE, said: "The green grants scheme has helped many worthwhile projects and community groups and we are delighted to once again have the opportunity to work with applicants for such great causes.

"We are also looking forward to teaming up with the Forestry Commission again and I hope that it will inspire people to make a positive contribution to their local environment and protect their wildlife."

For more information visit tpexpress.co.uk/environment