TREES are set to be planted across North Yorkshire, forming a trail in memory for those who lost their lives to Covid.

Eight trees are being planted across the county – with the first two planting ceremonies having already taken place in Northallerton and Thirsk.

The final round of planting takes place on March 15 at Scarborough’s Cedar Court Extra Care complex, and at Deansfield Court Extra Care in Norton.

Staff in North Yorkshire County Council’s (NYCC) health and adult services directorate have led the scheme, which includes the public health and adult social care services.

The county council’s tree and woodland service bought the trees, which include Japanese Elm, Sweet Chestnut, Columnar Mountain Ash and Common Walnut, from a garden centre in Leeming Bar.

Tree-planting ceremonies will be attended by NYCC staff joined by members of North Yorkshire’s district and borough authorities, the voluntary and community sector, housing and care providers and the NHS.

Council leader Cllr Carl Les said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had devastating consequences for many people, both in North Yorkshire and far beyond.

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“It is important that we all remember those whose lives were lost and those who made enormous sacrifices to help others through the worst of the pandemic.”