Pupils at St Mary's College in Crosby have been taking part in a nationwide project to plant millions of new trees.

Members of the Science Club planted a copse of wild cherry, rowan and silver birch saplings at the school's Blundell Park playing fields as part of the Tree for All campaign run by the Woodland Trust, the UK's leading woodland conservation charity.

This five-year initiative will see one million children planting 12 million new trees across the country.

The planting is also one of a number of events at St Mary's marking International Year of Biodiversity. This is a United Nations initiative celebrating the variety of life on earth and highlighting the important role humans can play in safeguarding it.

Paul Bunton of the Woodland Trust commented: "Planting a copse can inspire children to really get in touch with nature and learn about the ecology of these wonderful habitats.

"By planting and looking after these trees they are contributing to a greener future for all of us."

St Mary's College Principal, Mike Kennedy, added: "With a little luck the native broad-leaved trees that have been planted will continue growing well into the next century, when our pupils' grandchildren will be able to inspect their handiwork!"