PLANS to screen an Oswaldtwistle factory from nearby residents have developed into the beginnings of a new 90-acre forest.

The site was set to be officially opened today by Hyndburn MP Greg Pope .

Fields beside the M65 motorway are now filled with more than 60,000 saplings of oak, ash, willow, alder, hawthorn, and blackthorn which will soon form a forest with picnic tables and improved fishing facilities.

About two years ago Nipa Laboratories consulted Groundwork East Lancashire about planting a perimeter of trees surrounding the building.

But when the tenancy for agricultural land near the factory came up for renewal it was decided to hand that over to Groundwork too.

The first 450 trees were planted by pupils from the five Oswaldtwistle schools last November during National Tree Planting week, then contractors completed the work.

During the launch, 150 children from Rhyddings, Hippings Methodist, West End, St Andrew's and St Mary's schools were to be shown around the woods and visiting areas.

These are expected to host woodland activities and workshops for local community groups and schools.

Existing paths on the land will be given an all-weather surface but many will be informal routes, weaving through the new trees.

Already a number of dog walkers and horse riders are using the land.

However, it is predicted that thousands will visit the new woodland during the coming years.