RARE trees have been planted in Darlington as a symbol of revival by three organisations.

Two black poplars have been planted in Westbrook Dene as part of a plan for a nature reserve.

Local residents hope to attract more wildlife and improve the area. If it is a success, the scheme could be extended to other denes along Cocker Beck.

Shirley King, of Westbrook Villas Residents' Association, said: " Thirty more trees are coming from the council at a later date and school children are making bird nest boxes and bat boxes. We saw the wildlife around here and there has been areas where there has been vandalism. This is an attempt to support the wildlife."

She said there were already kingfishers and water voles on the beck nearby, where it is protected by private gardens.

Helen Tomb, of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, said: "What we are doing is trying to attract some funding to make it into a nature reserve. Hopefully the project can eventually be carried throughout the denes."

The third organisation involved was Darlington and Teesdale Naturalists Field Club.