A LITTLE-KNOWN naval vessel that took part in the Battle of Trafalgar has been commemorated by the planting of trees.

Ajax Wood is one of 33 new woods being planted as part of the Woodland Trust's Trafalgar Woods project. The new woodlands commemorate each of the ships in Nelson's fleet, celebrating the important role timber played in Britain's naval heritage.

Children from schools across the area have started planting more than 4,000 native broadleaf trees over 12 acres next to Pontburn Woods, near Hamsterley Mill, County Durham.

Trees used to establish the wood will be of local stock, some of which will have been grown from seed collected from Pontburn Woods by staff at the North-East Community Forest's tree nursery.

Ajax Wood is one of four of the Trafalgar Woods that will be planted on land owned by the Woodland Trust ensuring it will be permanently open to the public.

Kate Jones, lifelong learning officer with the Great North Forest, said: "Getting children to help plant this new woodland is a great way to make a connection with our maritime past and the important role trees played in history.

"It's also a good opportunity to enjoy physical activity in the great outdoors."

Trafalgar Woods is part of Tree For All - the Woodland Trust's campaign to transform landscapes and engage children with nature.

The project will involve one million children planting 12 million trees.