PLANS to plant 15,000 trees in Sandwell – one for every child who starts school in the next two years – have been approved by senior councillors.

Cabinet members gave the green light to the £90k scheme to create new woodlands starting with 4,900 saplings for children who entered reception classes this year.

Another 10,100 trees are expected to be planted in the following two years with the first year seeing trees planted in Barnford Park in Oldbury and Jubilee Park in Tipton.

Cllr Maria Crompton, cabinet member for safer communities moving a  recommendation to support the scheme said it was an exciting project:  “This is something I’ve been waiting to do.

“We have been looking at planting a tree for every child starting in September.”

The authority will work with The Woodland Trust which will part-fund the costs for the first year and the council ensure the two woodlands are given protected status.

It is expected the project will last three years with a view to extend it to 2030.

All primary school across Sandwell will have the opportunity to get involved with planting the new woodland areas.

Councillors were told the trees would improve the environment across the borough, improve wildlife and help improve air quality while educating children.

Initially, the planting is expected to cover an area the size of four football pitches but cllr Crompton added the plan it would be expanded to sites in all six of the borough’s towns.

Cllr Yvonne Davis, leader of the council, said: “We have got a lot of people helping us make this a success from right across Sandwell, so I am very proud.”

It is hoped planting will begin to coincide with National Tree Week, which starts on Monday November 25.