Keen gardeners can sign up for West Lancashire Borough Council's successful Free Tree Scheme which is being launched again on Monday 17 October 2016.

The Free Tree Scheme, first introduced in October 2008, aims to improve the Borough's environment and attract more wildlife into local people's gardens by encouraging residents to plant trees. Since then, over 5,800 new trees have been given to residents to plant throughout the Borough.

This year applicants can choose one of two different varieties of fruit tree, which are: Bramley Apple and Victoria Plum. Trees provided will be approximately two years old and will be about 1.0 metre tall.

The Victoria Plum has been the most successful of all the trees offered since the scheme began and this years' introduction of the Bramley's Seedling has a rather poignant story about this very popular fruit tree. The original tree, the Mother of all Bramley Apples, is currently dying of a fungal infection. The Council would like to continue the legacy of the Bramley Apple by offering residents a chance to pick up a free 'Bramley's Seedling' tree as part of the scheme.

The Council will continue to offer a packet of free 'Flanders Poppy' seeds as a commemoration to the start of the battle of the Somme 100 years ago.

Councillor John Hodson, portfolio holder for planning, said: "Fruit trees are very much part of the area's heritage and as well as attracting wildlife and providing fruit to eat they are well-suited to smaller domestic gardens. So whatever the size of your garden, why not take up our great offer and plant a tree."

To find out more and apply, visit our website www.westlancs.gov.uk/trees between Monday 17 October and Friday 28 October.

There is a limit to the number of trees and seeds available so they will be allocated on a 'first come first serve' basis. Successful applicants will be informed where and when to collect the trees and seeds. Please do not apply unless you are sure you want to take up this great offer, as your application may mean that someone else who really wants cannot get one.

Trees will be allocated in time for planting during National Tree Week 2016, which runs from 26 November to 4 December. Trees provided under the scheme are only available to West Lancashire borough residents and must be planted in the borough. The Council also provides a useful guide showing how to plant and look after your trees.