Twenty-seven worthy causes across Somerset were the recent recipients of 2,013 saplings, donated by Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre to help with various projects and activities.
Schools, charities, village organisations and community groups were invited to nominate themselves for the annual sapling giveaway earlier this year. Monkton Elm plant manager Andrew Pitman explained: "We offered the free young trees to worthy organisations that need them for charity, community and school projects.

"We hold the sapling giveaway every year and it has become extremely popular. We started the New Year by setting aside 2,013 small sapling trees, which were allocated on a first come, first served basis.

"The schools, community groups and charities that received them were very appreciative and we were delighted to help them by donating the saplings, which are ideal for hedging or creating small woodland areas."

The garden centre, which was award the Albert Goodman Family Business Award at the Somerset Business Awards last year, gave away groups of between 50 and 100 small indigenous British varieties of saplings to 27 schools and organisations.

Among those to receive donations were Brymore School in Cannington and Brookside Community Primary School in Street.