Alan Waddington, Philip Harris and Leslie Hall are setting up a group to stop trees being cut down in and around the town and encourage new ones to be planted.

Mr Waddington, who is originally from Lancashire, said: "People are cutting trees down and nobody is replacing them.

"When I left Burnley three years ago they had just planted their two millionth tree. This is leafy Warwickshire and there are not nearly as many."

The group will monitor tree protection orders and hopes to campaign to make sure new housing estates near Warwick have trees planted.

Mr Waddington added: "A tree's roots helps hold the soil in place on river banks, streams and ditches. Mature trees help to control the amount of ground water which reduces surface water, helping us in our age of floods.

"Trees are also there to be enjoyed in this stressful world. Their beauty is to be admired and enjoyed, providing shade and peace on sunny days."

They will be holding their first meeting at the parish hall in West Street on Tuesday. Call 492586 or 07766 014016 for information.