PEOPLE in County Durham can get funding to help make the county a greener place.

Durham County Council is offering grants of up to £150 to schools, community groups and parish councils to plant trees during National Tree Week, from November 21 to December 2.

Last year, 5,614 trees were planted in the county. This is the 23rd year that the council has taken part in the scheme and it is hoping that last year's total will be bettered.

The authority has increased the grant money available from £100 last year.

Last year National Tree Week, which is organised by the Tree Council, gained an entry in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's biggest ever tree planting scheme.

This year, the aim is to get more youngsters, particularly ten to 13-year-olds, involved in the planting. It is taking the theme "Imagine a World Without Trees".

Councillor Bob Pendlebury, the county council's cabinet member for sustainability, said: "It would be fantastic if the council could exhaust the budget which has been set aside for projects during National Tree Week. A world without trees would be a very bleak place indeed, and we can all do our bit to help green up the environment, whether it is the planting of a single tree or the creation of a new community woodland.''

Application forms are available from Darren McCourt on 0191-383 4076. Applications must be returned by Friday, November 8.