A TREE-mendous effort has seen thousands of saplings planted in initiatives across the Keighley district.

The first 4,000 trees have been planted in an extension to a 17-acre woodland renamed in honour of Keighley-born NHS fundraising hero, the late Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Trees and shrubs, including hawthorn and hazel, are being provided as part of the project at the former Holme House Wood.

Funding was given through TreesforTom, set-up by Captain Sir Tom's daughter Lucy Teixeira following his death.

The venture has also seen the motto 'tomorrow will be a good day', which became synonymous with the war veteran, engraved on a semi-circular seat near an existing drystone wall at the site.

Alistair Nash, of the Woodland Trust, said: "It’s an honour to rename and extend this beautiful site in tribute to a great Yorkshireman.

"We hope the site – now Captain Tom Memorial Wood – will be a fitting memorial and will inspire people to protect and cherish the natural environment whist enjoying all the splendour on offer."

Meanwhile, Keighley-based social enterprise YORgreencic – which supports communities to create and manage green space – says its planting season has been "hugely successful".

The current tree count is around 45,000.

Sixteen hectares of new woodland and three miles of hedgerow have been created.

Director Shaun O'Hare said: "We have had a fabulous response – with a real enthusiasm from residents, students, organised groups and businesses to join in.

"It is a combination of being physically active, having social contact with others outside and knowing that what you are doing is making a lasting improvement to your environment that really appeals to people.

"We provide guidance and the tools to do the job. All people need to do is turn up and enjoy themselves!"

Sixty trees have been planted at Strong Close Nursery School in Keighley, as part of Bradford Council’s Tree for Every Child project.

The session was supported by YORgreencic.

Helen Jones, headteacher at the nursery school, said: "The trees will be invaluable in providing screening along the road and creating a nurturing environment where the children will learn about growth and develop care for both our nursery and the general environment."

Zartasha Gul – whose two-year daughter, Hidayah, attends the nursery – said: "It’s a great initiative because it will give children a concept of planting and looking after nature. They’re involved and it’s a great legacy."