MORE than 12,000 trees have been planted as part of a project to open up an area of woodland to the public.

The five-hectare site at Wynyard was opened in a joint venture between Tees Forest and Cameron Hall Developments, owned by North-East entrpreneur Sir John Hall.

Native broadleaf trees have been planted on the site, next to the A689, and a 2km footpath has been established from Wynyard Village to the Castle Eden Walkway.

Chris McGloin, of Tees Forest, said: "This planting scheme plays a part in the wider green infrastructure of the Wynyard area, providing not only landscape enhancement but a place for the public to benefit from."