A CHRSITMAS tree collection service will be running in the new year, with proceeds going to support a major local charity.

Volunteers for St Luke’s Hospice will be collecting and recycling Christmas trees in the CW1 to CW11 postcode areas, in return for donations towards patient care.

Last year a staggering 2,824 trees were collected by more than 60 volunteers, raising £40,000 in vital donations for the hospice.

This takes the total raised from collecting Christmas trees to more than £390,000 in 11 years.     

Jane Thompson, head of events at St Luke’s, said: “We have been running the collection for 11 years now and we’re always delighted to receive such amazing support.

“In these difficult times, the money it brings in is going to be more important than ever.

“I would urge everyone with a real tree to register nice and early to guarantee collection.

“Then come January, our team of wonderful volunteers will be along to collect your tree, saving you the trouble of pine needles in your car and queuing at the tip.

“It’s worth remembering that all the trees we collect are responsibly chipped and the chippings shared around the community, creating mulch to suppress weeds without the need for weed killer.

"It’s a green and environmentally friendly end for your Christmas tree.”

The project is running in partnership with volunteers coordination charity, JustHelping, with sponsorship from A-Plan Insurance in Northwich.

A-Plan Insurance branch manager, James Bull, said: "The Christmas tree recycling scheme generates around £10 per tree collected for this wonderful charity, which is an invaluable resource to our community.

“As we are very much part of our local community, it feels right to support St Luke’s as much as possible. 

Register now to have you tree collected by visiting slhospice.co.uk/christmastree. 

St Luke’s will also be holding a Prize Bingo Night at Winsford Conservative Club, on Ways Green, on Tuesday, December 13.

There will be a wonderful selection of prizes, a cash game with £50 to the winner, and a raffle, all in aid of patient care at the hospice.

Entrance costs £10, and tickets are available on the door from 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Please go along to support the hospice. Enquiries, call 01606 555811.