MORE than 8,000 trees are to be planted in the Yorkshire Dales with money left in a will.

Spinster Jean Staples left £23,566 to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority when she died aged 69.

The pensioner, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, was a regular visitor to the area.

A spokesman for her solicitors, Dawson and Burgess, said: "Miss Staples spent a lot of time in the Dales.

"She was a keen walker when she was younger and used to come on day trips in later life.

"She loved the area and wanted to do something to help conserve it."

Geoff Garrett, the authority's trees and woodland officer, said the money would be used to create a broadleaf wood within the national park.

He said: "At the moment, there is very little broadleaf woodland in the park.

"It amounts to just 1.6 per cent of land cover, and we want to double that by the year 2020.

"The legacy presents the opportunity to make a significant contribution to new woodland planting, as well as providing a lasting memorial to Miss Staples."

It will cost about £20,000 to plant more than 8,000 trees.

Any remaining money will be spent on signs and information boards for the wood.

The park authority is appealing for a landowner prepared to donate eight hectares for the project.

To help, call Mr Garrett on (0870) 1666333.