ROOTS have been laid in preparation for a Darlington firm's 40th anniversary.

On Monday, the first of 40 trees was planted by Cummins Engines, at its Yarm Road site, dedicated to its milestone birthday which will be celebrated next July.

The other 39 trees will be positioned round the site and dedicated to different generations of families who have worked at the firm.

Mike McCabe, from Cummins, and Darlington mayor Coun Roderick Francis, were joined by staff and members of Durham Wildlife Trust and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, at the ceremony.

Coun Francis said: "I believe it is very appropriate that Cummins has decided to use this occasion to plant trees.

"It symbolically acknowledges the need to develop strong roots in order to flourish, but shows a commitment by practical example to look ahead to the protection of the environment for generations to come."

Native broadleaf trees planted included oak, beech and ash and were donated by Tree Appeal, an initiative designed to assist organisations to reduce the impact they have on the environment. Mr McCabe said Cummins would give any more trees generated through Tree Appeal to Darlington borough.