NEW trees have been planted at a well-used community facility as part of a town orchard to be grown at several sites.

While working with the Horncastle Community Centre on the Green Babies energy project, Transition Town Horncastle was asked if it could plant trees in the grounds.

The group was already looking for a site for a community orchard and this request gave members the idea of an orchard spread around the town.

Transition Town Horncastle has planted 20 hazelnut trees, a mixture of three different varieties.

Some older trees are being removed for safety reasons and the planting is part of the replacement.

Planting has been carried out with the help of Horncastle Lions.

Jennifer Lawrence from Transition Town Horncastle said: "We are grateful for funding from the Friends of Horncastle and District Healthcare and Relief in Need charity who gave us a grant towards the cost.

"The trees will not only be an attractive addition to the ground but will also help absorb carbon dioxide, in time provide a source of food in the form of nuts and also benefit wildlife.

"The children attending the nursery in the centre will also be able to learn from this addition to their outdoor space."

The next phase of the orchard will be to help residents at Gibson Green plant fruit trees on part of the green.

Anyone interested in joining the orchard group can call 01507 523221 or e-mail transitiontownhorncastle@hotmail.com