Hundreds of saplings were planted in Athienou and the nearby village of Avdellero on Sunday, the municipality said.

The saplings were planted by well-meaning members of the public and local officials including Athienou mayor Kyriacos Kareklas, with planters meeting at the ‘Middle of Nowhere’ park in Avdellero before being divided into groups to begin planting.

Kareklas thanked everyone who turned out and also thanked the forestry department for providing the saplings free of charge.

Additionally, he promised that his municipality would water the trees “so they thrive and greenify the area”.

“The Athienou municipality remains steadfast in its efforts to plant as many trees as possible, for a greener environment in the area and a more environmentally upgraded municipality,” he said.