FAMILIES and individuals in the Borders are being given the chance to plant their own tree in the region.

To celebrate Borders Forest Trust’s 25th birthday, the environmental charity is giving away 2,500 native trees - including oak, hazel, crab apple and birch.

Single trees or packs of 25 are available to families, individuals or community groups, with tree stakes and protective tubes also supplied.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “In order to apply for a pack of trees, you will need somewhere suitable to plant them and permission from the landowner.

“All of the trees need to be planted before mid-April, so if you know of any suitable places and you're keen to get involved please sign up and help us celebrate 25 years of increasing Borders woodlands.

READ MORE: Tributes to Galashiels man, 86, who will be 'great miss to the town'

“We have had offers from woodlands that are happy to let you plant your trees, so please get in touch if you are keen to plant but don't have a space or if you have somewhere that other people could plant their tree.”

If you want to get in touch about planting a tree in the Borders, contact michelle@bordersforesttrust.org to sign up.

The tree giveaway is also to celebrate the charity’s tree in the running to be European Tree of the Year 2021.

The ‘Survivor Rowan’, in Moffat, is up against trees from across Europe.

You can vote for the tree here.