‘FOSTER parents’ are needed for 300 trees in the Huncoat area.

The trees will eventually form a community orchard in the village, but are too small to currently plant out.

Paul Gott, of Hyndburn Community Forum, has taken delivery of 400 small fruit trees as part of Huncoat in Bloom, after applying for them from the Woodland Trust.

However he has only managed to find temporary homes for about 100.

The rest are now planted in small pots in his front garden in St James Street, awaiting collection from green-fingered members of the community.

Mr Gott said: “I wanted to branch from the tradional flowers we have for Huncoat in Bloom, and to have something more long-lasting.

“I’ve potted them all up in pots given free-of-charge from Gatty Park, and now I just need people to look after them for a year or so, until they’re big enough to plant all together in a community orchard.

“I’ve given 75 to the local primary school that have gone straight into the ground, and another 30-odd have been collected, so more people are needed to help take them home and keep them happy.

“All people need to do is to knock on the door, leave their details for the call-back next year, and take however many they like.”

A location for the community orchard has not been finalised.

For more information, call Mr Gott on 07740179120.