A NEW chapter in the development of Our Wood in Great Sankey has started.

The first tree of a new extension was planted with the help of Mayor Clr Linda Dirir, (Lab), Penketh.

It will be followed by more greenery along the former Burma Road, extending the site of the current wood by around a third.

The new extension alone will include hundreds of trees, 20,000 daffodils, and another 4,000 bluebells.

Tidying up work will be carried out over the summer so that planting can start in the autumn, with the project hopefully being completed by this time next year.

Our Wood was created by school children from schools in Penketh and Great Sankey at the junction of Whittle Avenue and Lingle Green.

Brenda Bradlee, from the Our Wood kids committee, said: "Great Sankey Parish Council presented the committee children with a youth certificate. They have been so impressed with the children they have decided to make it an ongoing award."

She said the existing wood had proved popular, and added: "The most impressive thing is that there's been no vandalism."

The money for Our Wood and the extension has come from several sources including Warrington Borough Council's regeneration team, the parish council, and there is also a bid for lottery money.

"Any other donations are welcome," laughed Mrs Bradlee.