CHRISTMAS trees will be collected and recycled to help a local charity.

Fortis Property Care – a subsidiary of Fortis Living which is part of Platform Housing Group – will take part in St Richard's Hospice's two day event in January where they will help collect and recycle hundreds of Christmas trees .

The recycling initiative takes place on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 January; Fortis Property care will provide two chippers – one on loan from machinery supplier Global Sales - and staff on both days at The Countryside Centre, Worcester, with the trees being dropped off by volunteers.

The campaign is now in its fourth year with Fortis Living having been involved since the start.

Those wishing to take part register their tree online and make a donation to the hospice by Tuesday 7 January; supporters can also opt to gift aid their donation. This year collections will take place in 13 postcodes throughout Worcestershire on Friday 10 January.

Last year more than £16,000 was raised by supporters and1187 trees collected and chipped.

Simon Harris, Service Manager (Grounds Maintenance) from Fortis Property Care said : “Supporting community initiatives such as the hospice’s Christmas tree collection campaign is really important to use. It’s fabulous to be involved in assisting the hospice to raise such vital funds. We’d encourage as many people as possible to join up and get involved.”

Jayne Sargeant, Fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice said : “We are delighted and grateful to Fortis Living for its continued support. Our Christmas tree campaign has been hugely popular with our supporters and is growing each year. Over the last three years, more than £34,555 has been raised towards our free specialist care, which is incredible."

To register your tree visit strichards.org.uk/christmas-tree-collection.