A FREE tree scheme is not only poised to make County Durham greener, but could also help win a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

However, time is fast running out to apply for Durham County Council cash to fund the ambitious planting project.

Council grants are available to pay for planting projects that are timed to coincide with National Tree Week, which runs from November 22 to December 3.

This year, the national event - organised by the Tree Council - is aiming to be the biggest initiative of its kind in the world.

The county council is now calling on local people to apply for cash to green up their neighbourhoods and help smash a world record.

The authority is hoping to top the 7,667 trees planted across the county last year, and grants of up to £100 are available to schools, community groups and parish councils.

County Councillor Don Ross said: "Last year was a record-breaking time for us in County Durham, and this year I hope we can make even more of an effort and help break the world record.

"We were able to help with 66 schemes and that means that many areas of the county can now look forward to a greener future.''

He added: "I hope that the budget we have set aside for this project will be exhausted. The more money we give away, the more trees are planted and that can only be good news for the public, wildlife and the County Durham landscape."

Application forms for the cash are available from Darren McCourt on 0191-383 4076.