PATIENTS, staff and community members are taking part in a record-breaking 'plant-athon' at Tavistock and Okehampton Hospitals this weekend.

The hospitals are being joined by several others across Devon, participating in an attempt to create a world record for planting the most trees in an hour.

Organised by the BBC, and supported by NHS Forest, the project aims to improve the green space at hospitals.

Julia Sanchez, NHS Devon's project manager, said: 'The event is not just about planting trees, but also getting staff, patients and the local community involved in improving the environment and understanding the importance each of us play in counteracting climate change.

'As part of the NHS Forest project, it is hoped that one tree will be planted for each NHS employee, amounting to 1.3 million trees over the next five years.'

Volunteers are being encouraged to gather at Tavistock Hospital or Okehampton Hospital this Saturday, December 5, between 11am and 12pm, to take part in the 'plantathon'.