DOZENS of rare black poplar trees have been planted alongside roads throughout Darlington.

Thirty of the trees have been obtained by Darlington Borough Council and have been planted in five sites in the area.

The trees, recognisable for their bushy broad crowns, are on sites along the A1, A1(M) and the A66(M) and have been planted by forestry company Tilhill.

It is part of a biodiversity action plan commissioned by the Highways Agency, which has seen many of the trees planted throughout the country.

Simon Rochester, Yorkshire district manager for Tilhill, said: "The potential for the trees' survival looks promising and it is hoped that, with careful maintenance, the trees will develop and mature and add to the biodiversity of the highway infrastructure of County Durham."