Conservative MEP for the northwest is encouraging young people to join in the Click a Tree campaign

Sajjad Karim has called on local young people to take part in a campaign encouraging them to protect the environment by planting tree seedlings.

Under the campaign free seedlings will be sent to the first 5,000 people aged 14-29 who apply at the website: www.clickatree.europa.eu

Those who are too late for a free seedling can still take part by purchasing their own seeds and registering the tree on the website. Their tree will then be entered into a competition judged by a public vote.

Mr Karim said that in the run up to the all-important United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December, where an international deal on the environment is expected, it is more important than ever for people to take direct action to improve the environment.

He said: "Around nine billion tonnes of CO2 is absorbed by trees every year, but nearly two billion tonnes are released through deforestation.

"We all must play our part in improving the environment and what better way than planting a tree?

"Young people in the north west of England will be able to join thousands of people across the EU who want to send a clear message that politicians of today have a duty to protect the environment for their sake."