SCHOOLS and community groups across Worcestershire are being offered free trees by a charity promoting woodlands across the country.

The Woodland Trust is offering half a million trees for planting later in the year.

All schools are automatically eligible to receive a pack of 30 trees in either a hedge or copse theme but can apply for packs of 105 or 420 in a range of other themes.

Community groups such as parish councils, sports clubs and scout groups can also apply and all trees will be received in November.

Project manager for the scheme Beverley Gormley said: "Planting trees is a simple yet effective way to improve our environment and with these free tree packs it couldn’t be easier to do.

“It’s also the perfect way to get communities doing something meaningful together for their local area which will bring benefits for years to come.

“We hope as many people as possible will snap up these tree packs before they run out.”

Only 13 per cent of the UK is woodland, compared to 44 per cent in Europe.

The packs have been funded by IKEA, Sainsbury’s, WHSmith, Wilkinson, Biffa Award and players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

To apply for a pack visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees by Thursday, September 4.