A DISTRICTWIDE search for the district's 50 favourite trees will be officially launched at Theydon Bois Village Hall, Coppice Row, at a public meeting at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 31.

Everyone is welcome at the meeting to find out more about the Guardian-backed competition, and find out how to nominate a tree.

It could be a tree that is really special in its appearance, or a tree that has some historical family connection.

The best suggestions will become the 50 Favourite Trees of Epping Forest district.

Successful nominees will receive a poster of their chosen tree, specially designed by a local photographic artist, and each of the 50 trees will have a specially designed web page.

The search has been made possible thanks to a £24,750 Local Heritage Initiative grant, a partnership scheme between the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Nationwide Building Society and the Countryside Agency.

The project builds on the pilot project, Ten Favourite Trees, chosen by the district's tree wardens, which were exhibited at the Epping Forest District Museum, Waltham Abbey, last year.

An exhibition will be held at the Sun Street museum at the end of the 50 Favourite Trees competition. Entries close on December 31. For more details, ring Epping Forest Countrycare on 01992 788203 or email Countrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk.