WYE Valley Health Trust (WVT) is going back to its roots to cut its carbon footprint.

Children from St Peters Primary School and Queen Elizabeth Humanities College in Bromyard helped to plant 60 fruit trees at the town’s community hospital last week.

Even the town’s mayor, Councillor Janet Pearce-Higgins, got her helping hands dirty.

WVT is one of a few health trusts taking part in a trial togo greener and help reduce the carbon footprint of its hospitals.

If successful, the programme will be rolled out to NHS trusts across the country.

Bromyard Community Hospital League of Friends backed the tree planting, which saw the mayor join the youngsters to dig holes, prepare the ground with bark cuttings and fix ties on the trees.

Councillor Pearce- Higgins said she was “delighted” to join in with the work.

“These trees will be enjoyed by the people of Bromyard now and in the future,” she said.

“Making it possible to plant these trees is a really wonderful idea.”

Kevin Wright, headteacher of St Peters School, said: “It’s been a fantastic occasion for our children and families.

“As a school we’re always keen to encourage the children to be involved with our local community and hospital.”