EFFORTS are being made to expand a family wood which has been created in Darlington's South Park.

The first trees were planted two years ago on the south side of Parkside.

Part of a nationwide scheme started by the Tree Council and managed by park owner Darlington Borough Council, the family wood now has about 200 trees thanks to public donations.

Tees Forest provides a link between the two councils and its community liaison officer, Sarah Storey, has appealed for more people to donate trees.

She said the existing wood, which is on the banks of the River Skerne, was phase one of the project and now that it had become established, it was time to extend it further.

Miss Storey said: "The idea is for this part of the park to have less mown grass and be wilder so there is more for people to see.

"We want to plant more trees and shrubs to help make that happen and hope people will come forward to donate more trees."

Donors can pay as much as they like but those paying more than £20 receive an embossed certificate.

Many people donate in memory of loved ones but are not allowed to select specific trees since some have to be removed if they become diseased or damaged.

Anyone wishing to donate is asked to contact the Family Tree Scheme, International Tree Foundation, Sandy Lane, Crawley Down, West Sussex, RH10 4HS. More information is also available from the borough council countryside section on (01325) 380651.