A TREE-planting scheme in Blackpool's premier park has put down roots with people wanting to commemorate their loved ones.

The Friends of Stanley Park, aiming to plant 200 trees in time for the millennium, has appealed for people to donate trees in memory of a relative or to celebrate a birth or marriage.

Following a Citizen story, Friends spokesman Paul Davenport said: "I'm delighted at the response we had. At least six people contacted me in one week, which gives us a great start."

Mr Davenport, who has himself donated a tree in memory of his late brother, went on: "It's a really nice thing to do, and we're trying, where possible, to choose species with links to the loved one.

"My brother was called David, and we planted a Davidia tree, and we're planting a Canadian species in memory of someone with relatives in Canada."

The Friends, formed this summer to help boost the park's aging aspect, are holding a special meeting with a talk on the history of the park from Blackpool historian Barry Shaw on September 24 at 7.30pm at Blackpool Stanley Park Sports Centre.

Meanwhile Blackpool Council is preparing a bid for lottery cash to restore the park to its original 1920s glory.

For more details on tree-donation, contact Mr Davenport on 291598.

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