SCHOOLS throughout the Leigh area are blossoming with nearly 200 trees planted around boundaries and entrances.

Wigan Council's Street Scene' action team has led the way in a super effort run by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV).

The trees, including Italian Alders, Lime and Mountain Ash, were carefully selected by size and type, to suit their locations.

And schools have also been offered extra facilities including new litter bins and paper recycling as part of the Cleaner Greener Borough project.

Team leader James Kay said: "We've enjoyed helping to green our area, and meeting schoolchildren who are helping this investment in their own future. "Anyone who would like to help out with the team on a voluntary basis is very welcome. Please call 01942 705244."

Local schools already involved are: Chowbent, Green Hall and St Phillip's at Atherton; Bickershaw, Hindley All Saints; St John's, St Gabriel's and Higher Folds Primary at Leigh; Golborne High, Lowton St Mary's and St John's at Leigh.