Local hero plants city's 2,008th tree

Manchester City Council's environmental teams are to plant the city's 2,008th tree - with a little help from a local hero.

The tree is to be planted in the Collyhurst part of the Cheetham ward on Thursday, February 28 by Mary Armstrong, winner of the top award in last year's Pride of Manchester Award.

The council decided to plant 2,008 new trees at the end of last year, and they have now been placed in parks, school grounds and other green areas around the city.

Mary won the award for playing a leading role in life on her Irk Valley Estate, by chairing its residents' association and being involved in Cheetham's successful In Bloom entry.

She was given the choice of where the final tree should be planted as a reward for her efforts, and decided to plant an oak tree on the estate.

The tree was planted using compost donated by Fairfields Material Management, which is based on New Smithfield Market in Gorton.

It is made compost from tonnes of biodegradable fruit and vegetables collected on the market and from green waste from the city's parks and waste companies.

Councillor Eddy Newman, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Management, said: "The City Council is committed to making Manchester a greener place to live, and these 2,008 new trees will make a big difference to residents' quality of life."

Media contact:

Conrad Astley, tel 0161 234 4045