A GREEN giveaway sparked a mass rush when more than 2,000 trees were handed out for free.

Hundreds of people queued at the popular Trees for Years event in Colchester.

A total of 2,013 trees and shrubs were given away at the event run by Colchester Borough Council, in partnership with office furniture company Officeis.

Duncan Jones, managing director of the company, said: “The turnout was phenomenal and everyone was very enthusiastic.

“We had to open the gates an hour early to prevent people from queuing on to the road and in two hours everything had been given away.

“Trees for Years makes our borough even greener and we are pleased to sponsor the scheme by turning ink into trees. As office supplies are one of our major products, planting trees is also hugely relevant.”

The plants were available on a first come, first served basis on Saturday, with four fruit bushes – blackberry, blackcurrant, raspberry and gooseberry – included this year to promote healthy eating.

Borough councillor Annie Feltham, portfolio-holder for communities and leisure services, said: “This event is now in its seventh year and has become incredibly popular with our residents. It’s a great event and helps to encourage and motivate environmental awareness and greener living.”

The giveaway is made possible by customers donating printer cartridges at Officeis for recycling.

People also got the chance to take away tree species including field maple, silver birch and red stem dogwood.