Community groups in Tendring are to be given the chance to get involved in helping to plant 10,000 new trees across the District.

The trees will be put into eight sites in Clacton, Frinton and Walton, Harwich and Dovercourt, and Weeley.

This green initiative has only been possible following a successful bid by Tendring District Council (TDC) to Essex County Council (ECC) for £30,000.

At the start of the year EEC pledged to plant 250,000 new trees throughout the County and invited applications for funding.

TDC's application has now been given the green light and the various locations agreed.

The sites approved are:

 Rush Green Recreation Ground, Clacton
 Eastcliff Recreation Ground, Clacton
 Valley Walk, Frinton/Walton
 Brook Park Country Park, Clacton
 Park Playing Fields, Frinton
 Edenside Open Space, Frinton
 Low Road Recreation Ground, Dovercourt
 Weeley Crematorium

Pierre Oxley, TDC's Portfolio Holder for Leisure Services, said that the grant from ECC was great news.

"This new money gives us the chance to enhance a number of areas of community open space in the District," he said.

"TDC will work in partnership with ECC, local groups and organisations on this initiative which will help raise the profile of environmental issues."

Cllr Oxley said the Council would be actively looking for community involvement in the planting through the Council's tree warden scheme and by including others such as schools and In Bloom committees.

The grant from ECC will pay for the ground to be prepared, buying the trees, rabbit guards, mulching and one year's maintenance.

Cllr Tracey Chapman, ECC's Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste said she was delighted that TDC is supporting the County Council's tree pledge.

"The commitment to plant 10,000 new trees across the District really shows a desire to improve the area for their residents," she said.

"Encouraging the community to get involved with the tree planting gives local people the opportunity to learn more about the natural environment close to them, and gives them a sense of ownership of their community and surroundings."

ECC is working in partnership with British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Essex Community Foundation, Forestry Commission, Rural Community Council of Essex and the Woodland Trust on this project.

The aim of this scheme is to ensure trees are planted in appropriate, sustainable locations so all Essex residents can care for them and benefit from the trees in the future.