An internet search firm has pledged to help consumers offset their carbon emissions and help build sustainable woodland throughout the UK.

MagicTaxi said that every time a user searches the web or shops online via its site, the firm will give 50 per cent of the revenue it receives through advertising and commission referrals to the Woodland Trust.

"The next weeks are the busiest for online searching and shopping," said the company in a statement.

"According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research the average UK family will spend over £448 on food, drink, toys and other gifts this Christmas.

"If this £448 was spent through MagicTaxi it would plant five trees and help to offset one tonne of carbon."

The search firm chose to partner with the Woodland Trust as it wanted the trees to be grown in the UK so that users could visit the woodland being created.

Clare Allen, head of corporate partnerships at the Woodland Trust, said: " The UK is the least wooded country in Europe.

"Planting trees with the Woodland Trust will not just absorb carbon, it will help to create more habitat for our rare and endangered wildlife."