PLANS are being made to form a woodland of 10,000 trees to help prevent the flood devastation which hit Todmorden this time last year.

The work is being planned by Treeresponsibility, who this week announced plans to reforest the steep eroding valley sides near Bacup Road in Todmorden as a way of minimising the risk of any future flash flooding.

In launching the appeal, Treeresponsibility co-ordinator Penny Eastwood said the organisation was delighted to have already received one offer of help and was now hoping to get schools in the Todmorden area involved.

She said: "The June floods last year highlighted the risk our valley could face as the climate changes. Tree planting in the area is a vital precaution as the vegetation will help minimise run-off and reduce silting in the river beds."

She said that the owner of the land at Midgelden Pasture, off Bacup Road, near Todmorden, had been approached and he had offered them the land.

Penny admitted that trying to create a new woodland would be an enormous challenge for them, as they would need to plant an average 450 trees a week.

She said: "We are hoping to see as many people there as possible to get the work done and have a good time, which will be very useful for the environment."

Anyone who can help can ring Treeresponsibility on 01422 843222.