NATIONAL Tree Week was marked in Stocksfield with the planting of a new silver birch tree to replace an old rowan tree which had to be removed due to root decay.

The tree planting, at Birkdene, was carried out by Coun. Anne Dale alongside a number of local residents, including Pauline Dawson, who has been a driving force in the community’s efforts to have the tree replaced.

Coun. Dale said: “A tree was sadly lost on this attractive piece of open space due to disease and Pauline and the local residents have been very keen to see a replacement.

“I have been working with the council’s local services team to secure a nice healthy tree to plant here.

“It was great to have so many of the local community along to help with the planting.”