Youngsters are one in a million (From Warrington Guardian)

Youngsters are one in a million

BUDDING young gardeners from a Great Sankey school have proved themselves to be one in a million!

Pupils from Sycamore Lane Primary School helped to plant the 'millionth tree' in the Mersey Forest project for Warrington.

They joined Forestry Commission chairman Lord Clark and Warrington South MP Helen Southworth in Palmyra Square for the landmark event.

Fittingly, the tree that the pupils planted was an acer, which is a type of sycamore.

Mrs Southworth said: "It's wonderful to be able to celebrate the continuing excellent work of The Mersey Forest in Warrington in this way.

"Every year its achievements in the borough make a real difference to local people, improving our environment, helping us to get out and about, and creating new jobs."

"Children from Sycamore Lane Primary School have been working with the group to improve the school grounds.

"Over the next few weeks they will be planting an orchard with fruit trees to encourage them to eat more fruit, as well as providing a shady and pleasant environment for the children and staff in summer."

Since The Mersey Forest initiative started 12 years ago, woodland cover in Warrington has increased by 116 per cent. This year more than 25 hectares of existing woodland has been bought under new management, including a site at Fiddlers Ferry in Cuerdley.

Lord Clark said: "The Mersey Forest has made fantastic progress in helping to green up Merseyside and north Cheshire, and I wish the team every success in the future."