Volunteers from the North East plant 300,000 trees

Tons of carbon dioxide could be absorbed from the atmosphere after nearly 300,000 trees were planted, an environmental group said.

Over the past 12 months, an army of volunteers from the North East Community Forest have also planted hedges in parts of Northumberland, Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and rural County Durham.

The group said it estimates the trees will capture about 51,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over 30 years.

More than 2,000 people participated in the program.

The group’s chairman, Ross Weddle, said: “We are absolutely committed to bringing more greenery and woodland to our region.

“Forests and green spaces are the beating heart of so many of our communities.”

Six municipalities from the region were also involved in the plan.

Juna Sathian, Climate and Transport Representative for Newcastle City Council, said: “Creating these new woodlands is vital in our efforts to tackle climate change, improve air quality and create happier and healthier places to live , work and visit.”

She also urged landowners interested in planting trees to contact the forest group.