This year's London Marathon will be held on April 23 ©Getty Images

Finishers of this year's London Marathon will be able to opt-out of receiving an official t-shirt and have a tree planted instead.

London Marathon Events (LME) has signed-up with Trees not Tees as part of a bid to reduce its environmental impact.

A sapling will be planted in a reforestation project in Britain for every person who takes up the option.

They will then receive a digital certificate including a photograph of their tree, and a geolocation so they can visit it.

As well as the London Marathon, the offer will also be in place at the Big Half and the Vitality London 10,000.

LME is particularly aiming to lower its carbon emissions this year by cutting waste and improving circularity.

"We are fully committed to reducing our environmental impact and we're working to introduce more initiatives every year to achieve this," said Hugh Brasher, event director at LME.

Finishers of this year's London Marathon can have a tree planted instead of receiving a t-shirt ©Getty Images
Finishers of this year's London Marathon can have a tree planted instead of receiving a t-shirt ©Getty Images

"We know that finisher's t-shirts are an important part of many people's event experience, but we also know that many of our participants share our passion for environmental sustainability.

"Working with Trees Not Tees to offer the option to have a tree planted instead of receiving a t-shirt is the next positive step forward for LME as we continue our commitments to event sustainability."

The London Marathon, one of the World Marathon Majors, is due to be held this year on April 23.