A BRADFORD MP joined nearly 100 students from a local school in planting 1,000 trees with the aim of turning an area wasteland into a woodland. 

MP Judith Cummins, MP for Bradford South, joined nearly 100 Appleton Academy students at Sedburgh Sports and Leisure Centre, on Cleckheaton Road.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford MP Judith Cummins joined Appleton Academy students in planting 1,000 trees at Sedburgh Sports and Leisure CentreBradford MP Judith Cummins joined Appleton Academy students in planting 1,000 trees at Sedburgh Sports and Leisure Centre (Image: Newsquest)

"With the help of Yorgreen, they will be planting 1,000," said acting head of Appleton Academy, which is based on Woodside Road in Wyke. "This is to turn areas of wasteland into woodland."

The green-fingered Appleton students planted just over 2,000 trees, 1,000 in the Yorkshire Dales as part of a flood defence initiative and 1,000 at the Sedburgh Sports and Leisure Centre.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Appleton Academy students planted 1,000 trees at Sedburgh Sports and Leisure CentreAppleton Academy students planted 1,000 trees at Sedburgh Sports and Leisure Centre (Image: Newsquest)Mr Ayres said: "Approximately 1,000 trees when grown will offset the carbon footprint for approximately 4,000 homes per year."

The students are working towards the John Muir Award, which is for the volunteer section of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Appleton Academy students planted 1,000 trees at Sedburgh Sports and Leisure CentreAppleton Academy students planted 1,000 trees at Sedburgh Sports and Leisure Centre (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Cummins said: “I really enjoyed joining students at Appleton Academy planting a thousand trees in just one day.

“This will transform the space around the Sedbergh Sports & Leisure Centre, making it leafier and greener.

“The trees planted by students today will grow with them and benefit the area for decades to come.”