Almost 70,000 trees and hedge saplings have been planted in south Norfolk as a result of a scheme to make the district greener.

And councillors, officers and volunteers marked the success of the national tree warden scheme, which celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Tree champions from the district attended the birthday event at the House of Lords to mark National Tree Week.

The Tree Council launched the national warden scheme on September 19 1990 and has more than 8,000 volunteers across Britain.

Since 2000, 68,519 tree and hedging plants have been provided by South Norfolk Council for planting by volunteer wardens and the district has almost 16km of new hedgerows and 5,159 individual trees.

The warden network covers 95 of South Norfolk's 119 parishes.

Derek Blake, cabinet member for planning housing and the built environment in South Norfolk, said: 'The work of our tree wardens, and the Tree Council, is reviving our countryside for future generations to enjoy.

'What we have achieved in South Norfolk is remarkable and a tribute to the hard work of the many wardens in our community.'

Long-serving tree wardens Donald and Maureen Bennett, who helped plant Wood Green, near Long Stratton, which is now a mature woodland, said: 'It's amazing to see how much the landscape has been improved due to our efforts to plant and look after the trees; the wildlife that they attract is a pleasure to see.'