A forestry student has received a financial boost to aid his studies following a grant from the Friends of Thetford Forest group.

Nicholas Goody, who recently started a two year arboriculture course at Easton College near Norwich, decided to give up 300 hours of his time for voluntary work at Lynford Arboretum, near Thetford, as part of his course.

The student received a �100 donation towards the cost of his books from the Friends group who support foresters of the future.

Since 2007, the basic day-to-day care of Lynford Arboretum, which is owned by the Forestry Commission, has been carried out by the Friends of Thetford Forest. Up to twenty members work there, conserving the tree collection and developing the shrub and understory layers.

One of the group'ss aims is to encourage understanding of the forest and help everyone learn more about it.

Mike Hume, who leads the Arboretum Friends' volunteers, said that the student's knowledge will be of benefit to the group too and bring a closer working partnership between Friends of Thetford Forest, Easton College and the Forestry Commission.

For more information, visit www.fotf.org.uk