Last year saw the first ever Tree-athlon held in Leeds, with runners completing a 5km (three-mile) course around the spectacular parkland of Temple Newsam.

Sponsorship money raised by over 170 Tree-athlon entrants was used to fund the planting and care of trees in Leeds, and around the world.

Tree plantings at Temple Newsam have taken place this week with local community members.

A very special planting event also took place in honour of former Tree-athletes Betty Furness from Cross Gates and her daughters and granddaughter.

Betty, who is 82, entered the first ever Leeds Tree-athlon last September, along with Lynn Espiner, Jill Espiner and Gill Garrigan.

Betty chose to have her tree planted in the grounds of Seacroft Congregational Church. Two wild cherry trees will be placed at the front of the church for all to enjoy.

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Councillor Procter, Executive Board Member for Leisure, said: "Betty and her family encapsulate the spirit of the Tree-athlon and we are delighted that we are able to come and plant trees in a place dear to their hearts.

"It is wonderful to see so many trees being planted across the city. The people of Leeds are rightly proud of being one of the greenest cities in Britain and this will go some way to enhancing that reputation."

The event, which was hosted by Leeds City Council, is part of an ongoing partnership between the Parks and Countryside service, Festival Republic and Trees for Cities, an independent charity which works with local communities to improve their environment through tree planting initiatives.

Sharing a vision for a green renaissance in the city, the two organisations have put together a programme of tree planting across the city.

As well as providing a shelter belt to offer visual and sound screening from the Outer Ring Road, the trees and shrubs will provide an excellent habitat for wildlife.

Graham Simmonds, chief executive of Trees for Cities, said: "It's great to see our partnership developing so well with Leeds City Council and the trees being planted both here in Leeds and other cities around the world will make a very real difference to climate change as well as beautifying cities for future generations."
The Tree-Athlon is a three-part event for tree lovers of all ages. This year's event in Leeds will take place on Sunday, September 28 and will include a 5km run, an urban "tree wish" and seed planting.

As well as the satisfaction of raising money for an excellent cause, the participant who raises the most in sponsorship will have a new woodland named after them forever.
Runners wishing to take part in this year's event should go to www.tree-athlon.org for registration details.

* Trees for Cities is an independent charity, set up in 1993, that plants trees and re-landscapes public spaces in urban areas of greatest need.
The public can get involved by sponsoring trees, registering as volunteers, enrolling in training programmes and going to fundraising parties. Go to www.treesforcities.org to find out more information.