YOUNGSTERS across Hartlepool have been taking part in a scheme that could see 12 million trees planted across the UK - one for every child under 16.

More than 400 children from 14 Hartlepool schools have been helping spruce up the area.

They hope to plant 1,000 trees in the town's North Cemetery and Stranton Cemetery in time for spring.

The pupils are also learning about the importance of trees to everyday life, and learning how to plant and care for them.

The Tree for All campaign is a joint initiative between the Tees Forest, the Woodland Trust and Hartlepool Borough Council.

Debbie Scott, project officer with the Tees Forest, said: "Trees play a vital role in our lives and yet we so often take them for granted.

"We need to re-engage children with the natural world from which they are becoming sadly distanced.

"By giving children the chance to plant and care for trees, the Tree for All campaign hopes to inspire them to take responsibility for the future of their environment."

Ian Bond, ecologist for Hartlepool Borough Council, added: "Many of the existing trees in the cemeteries are mature and of the same age.

"As they near the end of their lives they are likely to need replacing at the same time.

"This will drastically change the character of the cemeteries.

"We are delighted to be working with local schools and the Tees Forest to ensure a varied tree cover is sustainable in the long-term and to enhance the value of the cemeteries for wildlife as well as people."