A SETTLE couple is hoping seeds of inspiration will grow into a forest of hope for the environment.

Tom Algie and Ann Ambrose have formed Little Acorns (Woodland) Ltd which encourages individuals and businesses to sponsor trees to create community woodland.

The first eight-acre wood of over 4,000 trees is being created at Twiston in Lancashire and for every tree planted in the community woodland, a tree is also planted abroad.

Once the woodland is finished it will be given to a local group or conservation body to ensure it can be enjoyed by future generations.

The couple are also looking for rough land nearer Settle to make a start on their second wood.

The new venture is being launched on Saturday with the showing of the film An Inconvenient Truth at St John's Hall in Settle. Little Acorns is to become the first commercial sponsor of Settle-based cinema group The Ribblesdale Area Moving Picture Show - better known as Tramps.

Little Acorns is sponsoring the hard-hitting film which looks at global warming and includes a personal profile of Al Gore.

Miss Ambrose said: "Although Little Acorns will be focused on planting trees, there are many other things we can all do to help."

Mr Algie added: "Taking positive action and personal responsibility for our environment is a really good feeling for everyone involved. We would like people and businesses to do something positive and even planting a single tree is a great contribution and commitment to the future.

"Trees are up to 20 times more efficient at removing carbon dioxide from the air than crops or grassland.

"Tackling the climate change problem needs to be enjoyable and we hope that our new venture will be fun as well as being good for the environment."

The couple both helped to set up Tramps five years ago and Mr Algie continues to help show films for the group. They are also members of Settle Town Council.

An Inconvenient Truth will be shown at 7.30pm on Saturday and leaflets detailing the work of Little Acorns will be distributed. Tickets for the film can be bought on the door.

Anyone who wants more information about sponsoring a tree, or who has some rough land available for planting can get in touch with Little Acorns on 01729 823549.