SCHOOLCHILDREN took a break from lessons yesterday and dug deep to welcome another group of youngsters to the area.

The tree-planting session, with one-year-old saplings, took place at the Millennium Green in South Bank, Middlesbrough.

The young people helped dig the holes for the young trees and placed them carefully in their new homes, with the help of volunteers from South Bank Millennium Green Trust.

On the trust's own adopted land, the group of 50 pupils from Cromwell Road Primary School and their teachers got their hands dirty for a good cause.

The trees, donated by The Tees Forest, will stand tall in the open space created in the centre of South Bank.

Councillor Ian Jeffrey, chairman of the trustees, said: "It's all about getting the children involved in the benefits of growing things and taking on ownership.

"Millennium Green is an area in South Bank where people can go and enjoy the open space.

"The kids really enjoyed the experience and hopefully they will look after the trees as they grow up with them."

The green area was originally occupied by houses which were demolished a few years ago.

The trust then took ownership of the land and planted shrubs, trees and plants for the community to enjoy.