RESTORATION is under way at an ancient woodland bought by a charityfollowing a massive public campaign backed by the Argus. Wentwood Forest, near Newport, was bought by the Woodland Trust after local people helped raise £1.5 million for the site's purchase and restoration.

Weather forecaster Sian Lloyd and youngsters from Garnteg Primary School, in Pontypool, kicked off the restoration project by planting new trees. Throughout the week 300 local children will be involved in restoring an area of Wales' largest ancient woodland.

The Woodland Trust launched a campaign to save Wentwood Forest in June last year.

They aimed to raise funds to buy 870 acres of the forest and begin its restoration.

Local people raised more than £100,000 towards the appeal. And more than 30,000 donations were received in the build-up to buying the land. The tree-planting events this week are part of the trust's Tree For All campaign, which aims to plant a tree for every child in the UK over a five-year period.

Sian Lloyd said: "As an enthusiast for the Welsh countryside, I was keen to support the Woodland Trust's campaign to save Wentwood Forest."