The Peoples’ Postcode Lottery, which gives 40% of every ticket bought to local charities, has donated a magnificent £79,708 to the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust which will help it – amongst other plans – to plant its one millionth tree this year.

The trust is one of the few projects set up ten years ago which is still going strong because, from the outset, it concentrated on small, village based schemes with social or environmental benefits. Its tree planting operation is of major significance because the Yorkshire Dales have one of the lowest percentages of tree cover in the UK, thanks largely to large scale deforestation in the 18th and 19th Centuries too make way for sheep pasture.

Of the latest gift, the trust says: “The contribution puts Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust right on track to achieving its ambitious plans for 2010.

Plans are already afoot by the charity to plant their millionth tree this year, as part of an ongoing woodland restoration programme in the Dales. People’s Postcode Lottery money will also support many local projects, including the conservation of threatened habitats like hay meadows and wetlands, and will help the Trust to continue its pioneering work with disadvantaged and disabled people.“

As England’s own charity lottery, the People’s Postcode Lottery contributed over £53,000 to Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust last year alone.

News of the recent contribution is welcomed by YDMT director, David Sharrod, who says, “Our partnership with People’s Postcode Lottery has enabled us to do much, much more to support communities and protect the environment here in the Dale

“I’d like to say a huge thank you, not only to those who run the People’s Postcode Lottery but also to the players, who make a vital contribution to many local charities like us.”