CHILDREN have been measuring trees in hugs, during a woodland visit.

Youngsters from St Hild’s College CE (Aided) School, in Durham, adopted the unconventional tree girth measuring technique during a trip to Low Burnhall farm, on the outskirts of the city.

Under the instruction of former teacher Tony Burgoyne, the group of 25 children also took part in mapping exercises and species recognition.

The Woodland Trust bought the 168-acre farm in March last year, for £2.4m.

It plans to plant 80,000 native broadleaf trees and shrubs, beginning early next year.

Paul Bunton, from the Woodland Trust, said: "It was really exciting to show some local school children round the site last week and explain to them what we have planned for the future.

"I hope they were inspired by seeing some of the site’s really old trees and will want to come again and join us this winter and plant some new ones."

The trust said Low Burnhall is now freely accessible to all. Its £1.5m fundraising campaign to pay for the project is ongoing.