CHILDREN are being encouraged to develop a healthy respect for trees as part of a national week.

County Durham youngsters will be urged to take part in National Tree Week, from November 20 to December 1, in an effort to reduce the amount of vandalism to newly-planted saplings.

Each year, thousands of trees are planted in the county to mark the event, but some of them are always ripped up by vandals, ruining the hard work of community groups, schools and local councils.

Last year, 3,000 trees were planted throughout the week - and many of these were vandalised.

As a result, Durham County Council is hoping to encourage more children to learn how important trees are for local communities and their own futures.

As in previous years, it is offering grants of up to £150 for tree planting.

Councillor Bob Pendlebury, cabinet member for sustainability, said: "Planting a tree is a long-term investment in the future of the planet and its people.

"Many household objects are made from tree products, with the average home having more than 30 trees in it.

"In addition, trees absorb carbon dioxide, the main cause of global warming.

"By getting more young people involved, we hope to educate them in the value of trees and the positive impact they can have on so many aspects of everyday life."

Schools, community groups and parish councils are encouraged to obtain application forms for tree planting grants from Darren McCourt, in the council's environment department, on 0191-383 4076.

Coun Pendlebury said: "I hope we exhaust the budget we have set aside for this scheme."