BURLY rugby players have been flexing their muscles by picking up spades and planting hundreds of trees as part of a project to improve the environment.
Acklam Rugby Club players in Easterside were joined by their families and supporters to plant more than 2,000 native trees to create a green backdrop to the rugby ground.
The project, co-ordinated by Groundwork South Tees and Middlesbrough React (Regeneration through Environmental Action), is helping to screen industrial views and provide habitats for wildlife.
Ray Kelly, chairman of Acklam Rugby Club, said: "The React and Neighbourhood Renewal funding has given the club an opportunity to make further improvements to the rugby ground.
"The trees will complement the new security fencing that has significantly reduced anti-social behaviour.
"Now the players can train in a safer and greener environment."
Acklam Rugby Club also received help from the University of Teesside, which uses the rugby ground and prepared the site for tree planting and will look after the new trees.
Martin Harvey, Easterside neighbourhood manager, said: "This is a wonderful example of how local people can improve their neighbourhood which will ultimately benefit the wider community. I hope Acklam Rugby Club will inspire other projects."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article