Aspire plants new world record

Aspire Housing is calling for green-fingered volunteers to help it set a new Guinness World Record.

A group of Aspire residents and staff are attempting to break the record for the most trees planted in an hour, with other groups at multiple sites across the UK next month.

The event is part of the BBC’s Breathing Places ‘Tree O’ Clock’ initiative, for National Tree Week.

The New Knutton Residents Association is aiming to plant 1000 trees in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Saturday 5 December, between 11am and 12 noon.

Volunteers will be tree-planting on the bank between the Lymdale Business Park and Cotswold Estate in Knutton, and anyone is welcome to join in.

Sinead Butters, Chief Executive of the Aspire Group said: “The Residents Association has done a fantastic job organising this event, and we would encourage as many local people as possible to come out and join them.

“It is very exciting to be part of a nationwide attempt to set a new world record, but what is more, it benefits the environment and will enhance the local area.”

To join in the Guinness World Record attempt contact Tony Eagles on 01782 620272 or Laurence Reardon at Aspire Housing on 01782 635200 or lreardon@aspirehousing.co.uk.

The Tree O’ Clock world record attempt already has over 200,000 pledges from groups and individuals across 66 counties to plant trees.

The Knutton Cross Heath Local Action Partnership has granted £750 to fund the Aspire residents’ event.

The Woodland Trust, Garners Garden Centre in Silverdale and Morrell’s Pharmacy at Milehouse Primary Care Centre have each donated a further £100.

The Forestry Commission is providing 120 tree whips for planting and a member of the Woodland Trust in Tittensor has also pledged 12 small ash trees.

Spades will be loaned by Newcastle Countryside Project.

The Aspire Group provides more than 20,000 customers with high quality, affordable homes and services across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire.

It consists of Aspire Housing, PM Training and the Realise Foundation.