TREE lovers are encouraging businesses, schools and homeowners to burn wood.

Cutting and burning trees may not seem eco-friendly, but environmentalists say modern wood burners are at the leading the way for renewable energy technology.

The Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership is offering free advice and grants across the county to anyone interested in using wood to heat their home, school, farm or business.

David Rees of the Dorset Woodlink Project said: "Encouraging the use of local wood for heating has benefits for wildlife, landscape, the local economy and the wider environment.

"The carbon dioxide released by burning wood is balanced by that absorbed by trees during their lifetime."

For information call 08450 740674.