Two extremely rare trees have been discovered in the middle of a building development in Darlington.

There are only 7000 black poplar trees left in the UK and the vast majority grow in the south of England.

As developers were carrying out an inspection on the site of what will be Darlington's Burtree Garden Village two mature trees were found.

The species is recognised as the rarest timber tree in Britain.

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Moray Simpson, one of the surveyors who inspected the site, was absolutely delighted to find the poplars.

He said: "We were very excited to find two native black poplars (Populus Nigra Betulifolia), while surveying the site of Burtree Garden Village.

"We’ll be working closely with Hellens Group to ensure the existing trees are protected, and that any new trees cultivated from the specimens have homes within the village or the wider Darlington community.

"It’s a fantastic project to be involved with."

The northern poplar population is almost exclusively based in Darlington.

There are now 30 of the rare trees in the area, including some of the rarer female trees.

The Darlington Burtree Garden Village is planning several tree-friendly spaces as well as an arboretum as part of the Queen's Green Canopy project.

Both black poplar trees will be protected and a nursery will be created to grow new specimens from cuttings.

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Gavin Cordwell-Smith, chief executive at Hellens Group said: "It is essential to us that the Burtree Garden Village preserves green and natural space while providing housing and amenities to local people.

"We know that Darlington has a rich history as being one of the few places in the UK where you can still find native black poplars, so it was incredible to find that we will have two providing the centrepiece to the village. It immediately gives it a sense of place, which is very important to us.

"We are also looking forward to working with Wardell Armstrong and the team to help increase the population of this rare but majestic species of tree."