STAFF at Southampton Airport have planted around 200 trees to support a nearby charity.

This month, those working at the airport in Eastleigh and their supplier teams have worked to support Youth Options.

The charity seeks to empower young people to grow in confidence, improve their wellbeing, and manage the stresses and anxiety of modern life by helping them engage with nature.

Having recently opened its new Bishopstoke Road Outdoor Learning Centre in Eastleigh, the charity saw support from the airport team who spent time clearing brambles and planting a new hedgerow.

Around 200 tree saplings were also planted as part of the team effort that took place last Wednesday.

This is the airport’s latest support for the charity, having helped renovate a polytunnel at the Outdoor Learning Centre in the summer.

The new planting and polytunnel is now set to open up new and "valuable opportunities" for young people in the area the charity says, adding that it will help them "connect with nature and improve their mental health".

Mike Weeks, project manager at Southampton Airport, said: “Southampton Airport is proud to be long-term volunteer partner and supporter of Youth Options.

"The charity does amazing work for young people across Eastleigh and Southampton, helping them to build confidence and improve their mental health and wellbeing through engagement with nature.

“As a regional airport, we are deeply committed to the communities we serve and we’re happy to roll up our sleeves to make a difference for a great cause."

Carly Redwood, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Youth Options, added: “We could not be more grateful."

“We can’t wait to reap the benefits of the trees they have planted, and offer horticulture programmes to children and young people in our newly erected Polytunnel which they helped to make possible.”