CHRISTMAS trees from across mid Cheshire are being collected to help a hospice raise thousands of pounds.

A team of volunteers is helping St Luke’s Hospice collect real trees on Saturday ready for recycling now the festive period is over.

Last year volunteers collected 320 trees, which raised almost £3,000 from donations for the charity.

Collections started last weekend, on January 4 and 5, including the impressive tree in Hartford, which was damaged by vandals cutting off the top early in the season and had to be repaired by attaching a second smaller tree to the top.

Volunteers are out again on Saturday, January 11.

The minimum donation is £5 and you can book collection online at charityxmastreecollection.com.

For more information ring Jane Thompson on 01606 555688.