A BID to create a new forest by planting 375,000 trees in Essex by 2024 has received a £300,000 windfall.

Organisers behind the Essex Forest initiative say the Forestry Commission cash is a "significant boost" to the project.

The money will support tree planting outside of woodlands, focussing on settings such as hedgerows, parklands, urban areas, riverbanks, roads and footpaths.

The fund will target areas with trees that have been neglected or suffered damage in the past, including those affected by tree diseases.

County council climate czar Peter Schwier was delighted with the news.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to go further in our efforts to offset the carbon emissions that are contributing to ongoing climate change," he said.

"There are many other benefits to this fund for people and wildlife in Essex, from improvements in air quality to reductions in flooding.

"The Essex Forest initiative’s ambitious target of 375,000 trees has now been made ever more possible”.

The council says the funding will also help provide new habitats for wildlife and richer biodiversity, as well as enhancing the acres of green spaces across Essex.