MANCHESTER Airport is celebrating its regional roots by offering 80 oak trees to communities.

Groups across the region are being given the chance to apply for a commemorative oak tree and time capsule as part of the airport’s 80th birthday celebrations.

The airport announced earlier in the year its intention to plant 80 oak trees to mark the milestone, as part of a wider programme of activity.

Oak symbolises 80 years, and the airport is searching for organisations that would like to have a tree planted in their grounds to join the celebrations.

The English Oak is one of the best-known native trees, with the gifted tree being four to six-feet tall before growing up to 130 feet, with a broad crown and open canopy allowing light to seep through to the ground below.

Each successful applicant will also get a special time capsule to plant alongside the tree, which will come with an item from Manchester Airport, such as an 80th birthday commemorative badge, and can then be filled with items of their choice

With the usual lifespan of an oak tree being around 200 years, and some living more than 1,000 years, the time capsule will be a fantastic opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Applications are welcome from a wide range of organisations, from schools to sports clubs and charities to community centres.

Tricia Williams, COO at Manchester Airport, said: “It is really fitting that oak symbolises 80 years, as we are really proud of our regional roots, at the same time as helping Manchester and the North branch out around the world.

“We hope to see applications from a wide range of organisations, from community groups to nursing homes, and schools to village halls, we’re looking forward to celebrating 80 years in these wonderful community spaces.”

Organisations wishing to plant a tree should email community.relations@manairport.co.uk with their name and organisation name, phone number, email address, where they would like to plant the tree and why, and if they would like a time capsule. An airport representative will help with all tree plantings.

Successful applicants will be notified in September, with trees being available to plant from October.