CHILDREN are being encouraged to develop a healthy respect for trees as part of a national week.

County Durham youngsters will be urged to take part in National Tree Week, from November 20 to December 1, in an effort to reduce the amount of vandalism to saplings.

Each year, thousands of trees are planted in the county, but some of them are always ripped up by vandals.

Durham County Council is hoping to encourage more children to learn how important trees are for their own futures.

As in previous years, it is offering grants of up to £150 for tree planting.