WORCESTERSHIRE County Council is launching a new tree planting project in Evesham today.

The authority is to create new woodland across the county as it commits to plant 150,000 new trees over the next five years.

The council is working closely with the Woodland Trust on the project, with the charity supplying the trees for the scheme.

The project is being officially launched at New Farm, Norton, Harvington Lane, Evesham.

Among those attending the launch will be Councillor Simon Geraghty, leader of Worcestershire County Council, Councillor Tony Miller, cabinet member with responsibility for the environment and Laura Judson, head of philanthropy for the Woodland Trust.

The government has previously pledged to plant millions of trees a year, with the benefits of forests supporting wildlife, absorbing carbon dioxide, helping to hold back floodwater and provide timber.