A GOVERNMENT minister visited Hexham’s Egger factory to discuss the vital role tree planting has to play in combating climate change.

David Rutley was at the chipboard manufacturer on Friday as part of a wider visit to the county.

The minister met with forestry stakeholders from the region, as well as the Government’s tree champion, Sir William Worsley.

Mr Rutley also outlined his plans to meet the Government’s target of planting 11 million trees by 2022, and emphasised the role Northumberland will play in achieving that goal.

Mr Rutley said: “Tree planting and forestry is going to be vital in our battle against climate change.

“We’ve brought in key stakeholders to see how we can develop plans for tree planting here.

“Northumberland is going to be at the heart of what we want to achieve. We’ve had a positive response to what we want to do.”