TIME is running out to sign up for a charity’s Christmas tree collection.

St Luke’s Hospice are once again looking to raise vital funds for patient care with their tree collecting service.

 More than 60 volunteers and staff will be working together to collect thousands of used Christmas trees in the area.

Last year they were able to raise over £40,000 in donations for the hospice and hope to match it again this year.

Jane Thompson, head of events at St Luke’s, said: “Every year we seem to get a better response to our tree collection and this year we hope it’s our biggest yet!

“We are delighted to receive so much support from the local community, whether that is through donations or the dedicated volunteers that work tirelessly throughout the weekend to make sure everyone’s tree is responsibly recycled.

“Not only do we save you a trip to the tip, needles in your car or space in your green bin, but the trees are responsibly recycled into chippings for use in the local community. Plus it’s a wonderful New Year fundraising boost for the Hospice. It’s a win-win!”

Northwich Guardian: Howden Insurance Northwich are sponsors of St Luke’s Hospice Christmas Tree Collection. (L-R) David Green, Andy Bailey (St Luke’s Hospice), James Bull and Emma Curley.Howden Insurance Northwich are sponsors of St Luke’s Hospice Christmas Tree Collection. (L-R) David Green, Andy Bailey (St Luke’s Hospice), James Bull and Emma Curley. (Image: Supplied)

St Luke’s Hospice tree collection has been running for 12 years, in which time they have collected 27,983 trees and raised an amazing £430,081.

The tree collection is run in conjunction with JustHelping and has been sponsored by Howden Insurance.

James Bull, branch manager in Northwich, said: “At Howden Insurance we pride ourselves in being part of the community and we’re delighted to support the Christmas Tree Collection for another year.

“We know it raises vital funds for the Hospice at an otherwise quiet time of the year for fundraising and we would urge all local people with a real tree to get signed up.”

You can still register your tree for collection but don’t wait around as sign-ups close this Sunday.

For more information, visit www.slhospice.co.uk/christmastree.