European Green Capital 2015: Bristol children to plant trees

Children in Bristol are to be given the chance to plant a tree or be involved with its planting as part of plans for European Green Capital 2015.

The TreeBristol Pips project will also see each of the city's 36,000 pupils learning about the benefits of trees can bring to the environment.

It is hoped most of the trees will be planted in school grounds, parks and private grounds.

The three-year scheme will see the majority planted in year two and three.

The project will be part of the wider TreeBristol project, started in 2005, which aims to increase tree canopy across the city.

Since its launch, the local authority has planted some 3,800 trees with a number being sponsored by businesses and individuals.

The idea is being recommended for Mayor George Ferguson's approval at the cabinet meeting at City Hall, later.

Earlier this month, the city was announced as the European Green Capital for 2015.

The city beat competition from Brussels, Glasgow and Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.

The title rewards cities which consistently achieve high environmental standards and are committed to further improvement and sustainability.