CHIPPENHAM Mayor Sandie Webb will dig in and join local people to plant hundreds of trees for the town's new wood.

Baydons Wood, on a two hectare site off Baydons Lane, is part of a nationwide project called Woods on your Doorstep, run by the Woodland Trust.

And the tree-planting extravaganza on November 25 will be part of a world record attempt for the greatest number of trees planted in a three-day period.

The record attempt is being orgainsed by the Tree Council as part of Esso National Tree Week, from November 24 to November 26.

Coun Webb will plant some of the first trees but everyone is welcome to join in.

"It's great fun and very satisfying planting trees. You don't need to be experienced as we provide the trees and instructions on planting," said Dominic Driver of the Woodland Trust.

"People simply need to turn up at any time between 11am and 1pm with a spade, wellies and warm clothing. It's a chance to make a lasting mark on the landscape for the new Millennium."

The project was helped by a fundraising campaign which raised nearly £3,000. Extra support came from Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, Chippenham Town Council and the Lions Club.

Coun Chris Holmes said: "We're hoping for a really good turnout on planting day. Children from Monkton Park Primary School are attending as well as cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides."

The Lions Club will provide refreshments and morris dancers will provide the entertainment. The wood will have a mixture of native trees in the centre, including oak, ash, white willow and osier.

No parking is available but the wood is close to the town centre and beside the North Wiltshire Rivers Route cycleway.