THE Avenues will return to former leafy glory within 10 years after the first of 150 new trees were planted by Littleham School Children.

THE Avenues will return to former leafy glory within 10 years after the first of 150 new trees were planted by Littleham School Children.

The scheme, led by town councillor Ken Harper and residents' group Save Avenues from Despolation, hopes to reinstate trees in the Avenues area.

Residents have been consulted on what types of trees they would like and many species have been chosen and each tree costs approximately �45.

Over �3900 was raised by residents with Devon County Council match funding.

School children helped plant a total of 18 trees at Maer Vale on the Corner of Cyprus Road with a further seven trees to be planted in the Broadway next week.

Cllr Ken Harper said: "We have been waiting since March to start planting and I'm delighted we have started it. I was worried we were going to miss the window for planting.

"The smaller trees will be planted on the side roads with the larger trees in Cranford and Douglas Avenue. These will take about 10 years to grow and grow up to 15 feet in height.

"The streets will then be lined with trees with lovely coloured leaves in the autumn and blossom to make the place look really nice."

Fellow Littleham councillor Mark Williamson said he thought the scheme would bring back the "green and leafy character" of the Avenues.

He said: ""We have been overwhelmed by public support. People are coming forward, not just with donations but with offers to look after the new trees after planting."

He added: "Greening our streets will take time but future generations will thank us for making a start."

Pat Attard, from SAD, said: "I think there are very practical reasons to encourage the planting of trees wherever.

"Trees are beneficial as they provide shelter, they take up surface water to reduce flooding and they absorb carbon.

"I am hoping if we start the ball rolling it will create a domino effect throughout Exmouth."

The remainder of the trees will be planted between September and Christmas.