A REDDITCH firm has planted 1,000 new trees to help in the fight to cut carbon emissions and celebrate new staff.

Sigma Connected, a business outsourcing provider based in the town centre, teamed up with international environmental charity Treedom to purchase and plant 1,000 new trees.

The firm purchased a forest of young trees to help to cut carbon emissions and to celebrate new colleagues completing their probationary periods at the firm, with thousands more trees set to be planted over the coming years.

Each employee receives a photo of the moment the tree, which could be a fruit tree or another species, is planted in either Tanzania, Ecuador or Madagascar.

They then receive regular updates about the tree and the farmer caring for it.

Jo Regan-Iles, Group People Office at Sigma Connected, said: “We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, which means more than just taking real measures to cut the amount of CO2 we produce. Forests play a vital part in the ecosystem by not only absorbing carbon but increasing habitats for local wildlife.

“By gifting a tree to each of our colleagues we’re not only recognising their achievements and growth to come with the firm, but also demonstrating our commitment to them and to the planet. We are delighted to be involved in the Treedom initiative and look forward to partnering with them for many years to come.”

Founded in 2010, Treedom allows people to adopt or dedicate a tree, improving the environment and helping to provide social benefits to farmers and their workers in Tanzania, Ecuador and Madagascar.