TREES are set to be planted in Somerset to help combat climate change.

Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) is offering parish and town councils free trees to plant during National Tree Week (November 28 until December 5).

The scheme is part of SWT’s commitment towards carbon neutrality and climate resilience by 2030.

Councillor Peter Pilkington, executive member for climate, said: “Making small changes such as planting trees is integral to our long term aim of creating a more sustainable future for everyone, putting climate and environmental responsibility at the heart of everything it does.

"I would encourage parish and town council’s to take advantage of this offer and join us in making sure our public spaces across the district offer the highest possible environmental standards.

"This is an opportunity to create something that we all feel involved with and that will inspire and benefit people for generations to come.”

Councils will be able to order trees, stakes, ties and guards, which can be collected from Taunton Deane Nurseries, Wellington Depot or Minehead Depot from November 23.

The scheme is being funded by the money generated from the Taunton Ice Rink last Christmas.