A GARDEN centre near Taunton is offering schools, charities, village organisations and community groups, saplings for projects they are running.

Andrew Pitman, plant manager at Monkton Elm Garden and Pet Centre, said: “Our sapling giveaway is a yearly event that has proved extremely popular.

“Any worthy causes which have missed out in the past are welcome to put themselves forward again this year to receive the saplings.

“We have 2,014 saplings to give away and they will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so people should submit their requests as soon as possible.”

The garden centre will be giving away groups of between 50 and 100 small saplings, known as whips. The trees are indigenous British varieties.

Worthy causes applying for the trees must write in, giving details of their project and why they think they deserve to receive a group of saplings.

Requests for the saplings should be posted to: Andrew Pitman, Plant Manager, Monkton Elm Garden and Pet Centre, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton TA2 8QN.

The closing date for requests is 5pm on Friday, February 28 (requests from commercial bodies will not be considered).

For more information call the centre on 01823-412381.