UNDER-FIVES from a Darlington toddler group have been doing their bit for the environment by planting a tree.

Called The Railway Children, the group meets every week at Darlington's Railway Museum for activities, many of which have a railway or environmental theme.

The group was started a year ago by museum education officer Janine Taylor as a ten-week project. When that was finished, the mothers decided to continue running weekly sessions themselves.

Previous sessions have included learning about the creatures that live in and around trees and meeting a baby hedgehog.

When autumn arrived the children wanted to plant a tree of their own.

Organiser Frances Griss said: "We chose a horse chestnut because the children understand about conkers and can relate to that type of tree.

"They helped dig the hole, added compost to help it grow and filled in the hole when we were finished. I hope one day they can bring their own children to collect the conkers it produces."

Miss Taylor said: "The group was started with the help of a grant as a way of getting youngsters into the museum. They thoroughly enjoy the activities they do, as well as visiting the engines and other exhibits we have here.