CHRISTMAS trees will once again be recycled in return for a donation to St Luke's Hospice.

More than 20,000 trees have been collected by volunteers, raising £350,000 since the project began 10 years ago.

Jane Thompson, St Luke’s head of events, said: "By getting your tree collected and recycled you avoid the hassle of taking it to the tip and will be helping to raise vital funds for patient care at the hospice.

"All trees are recycled and turned into woodchips which are then used in local country parks, so it’s great for the environment too."

Volunteers including Round Table and Rotary groups team up to collect the trees in January.

Local companies dedicate several paid work days and also encourage staff to volunteer in their own time at weekends to support the collection.

Around 3,000 trees will be picked up from doorsteps and could raise more than £40,000, enough to fund five days of days of hospice care.

The service is run in conjunction with JustHelping, who work with hospices around the country on local tree collections.

Registration is now open.

For more information visit slhospice.co.uk/christmastree