HUNDREDS of generous Northwich households helped to raise a total of £4,000 for St Luke’s Hospice last weekend as part of its biggest Christmas tree recycling scheme yet.

For the last two years, St Luke’s have collected and chipped Christmas trees after the 12th night in return for a donation to the hospice and this year, more Cheshire families than ever were happy to help out, saving themselves the hassle of taking their tree to the tip.

Volunteers from the Winsford hospice teamed up with the Macclesfield-based charity JustHelping, Northwich Round Table, students at Reaseheath College, Nantwich Rotarians, and 10 volunteers from Barclays to offer the fundraising service to homes across the borough.

Jane Thompson, from St Luke’s, said: “Over 350 trees were collected and it is a terrific boost to our funds right at the beginning of our 25th anniversary.

“This year’s Christmas tree recycling scheme has been the best yet and we’re thrilled the final figure is expected to be more than £4,000.”