Olympic star to help tree project

Londoners are being invited to take part in a "tree-athlon" to raise money for the planting of thousands of trees around the capital.

The event, organised by the Trees For Cities organisation, will be the first of its kind in the world.

Athletes of all ages can sign up for three stages: a 5km run, making their own "urban tree-wish" and finally planting a tree.

Olympic athlete Linford Christie, who will help participants warm up as well as presenting the prizes, said: "It's great to be involved.

"I'm a keen gardener and it is important that everyone who lives and works in cities can enjoy the beauty and sense of calm that trees bring.

"For athletes, many of whom train and compete in cities, having a healthy environment is really important. Trees help by absorbing carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants."

Trees For Cities chief executive Graham Simmonds said: "The level of enthusiasm we have already seen for this event is wonderful."

Trees For Cities plans to plant a million trees in London by 2010 and has already passed the 340,000 mark.

The tree-athlon will be held in Battersea Park on 24 September. To register, visit www.tree-athlon.org