A new tree planting grant worth up to £10,000 could be received by communities to go towards the cost of a Coronation community orchard.

Towns could benefit from the financial boost, courtesy of Malvern Hills District Council, which is providing the grants to support the creation of community orchards.

The grants will cover costs for trees, protection, fencing, and installation.

The purpose of the fund is for orchard creation projects in the district to make a lasting commemoration of this Coronation year, while promoting the lifelong conservation efforts of the King.

The UK Government has allocated a sum of £2.5 million to councils via The Coronation Living Heritage Fund (CLHF), endorsing tree planting projects across England.

The council is welcoming applications from assorted groups including schools, residents' associations, community groups, businesses, charities and parish/town councils.

The council is encouraging the creation of community orchards on public or private land, given the land offers community engagement and access opportunities.

Cllr John Raine, portfolio holder for environmental services at the council said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for communities to participate in habitat conservation.

"Tree planting has an important role to play in tackling climate change and it will also help support our ambition to become a carbon neutral district."

Alastair Pounder, biodiversity project officer at the council, said: "Community orchards are excellent places for people to come together to plant and cultivate a variety of fruit trees and to use the area as a focal point for community activities.

"They contribute to pollinator populations and are an opportunity for schools and the community to learn new skills such as wildlife identification, horticultural skills, and maintenance of the trees".

For more information about the grant, selection criteria or applying go to www.malvernhills.gov.uk/clhf.