A TEESSIDE mayor took part in a poignant tree planting ceremony yesterday after inheriting a family forest.

Councillor Arthur Dobson, Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, inherited the Family Wood, in Borough Park, Redcar, from last year's mayor, Councillor Mike Stephen.

Coun Stephen dedicated his civic term as the Year of the Tree and launched the project 12 months ago with the help of the Tees Forest by planting ten saplings for his ten grandchildren.

Now, Coun Stephen wants to ensure the forest's future is secure through the office of mayor of Redcar and Cleveland.

Coun Dobson planted a tree in memory of his wife, Joyce, and said: "I think it's a lovely idea, and I'm proud to ensure it continues."

Tees Forest is also adding to the wood this week by planting a mixture of 100 oak, beech, rowan and cherry trees for each of the finishers in the Green Tree Run, which took place earlier this year.

Director Clive Davies said: "Mike's Year of the Tree was a great success and this part of it captured the public's imagination.

"We have had scores of people planting trees for all manner of family occasions. It really has been a marvellous project and long may it continue."

Details of how to plant a tree in the Family Wood are available in leaflets from the council's three main offices, libraries and countryside sites.