PLANS are underway for a festive fundraiser to help recycle Christmas trees while raising much-needed funds for charity.

Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland has seen scores of its fundraising events cancelled due to the pandemic but has set the wheels in motion for its annual Christmas Tree Collection.

The initiative, which saw 1,100 trees collected in exchange for almost £12,000 in donations in 2019, has grown year on year. It's hoped 2020 will be another record year.

It's made possible thanks to volunteers and local businesses who have pledged vans and teams of staff to help with the collection on January 8.

It takes place in Penrith, Carlisle, Wigton, Longtown, Brampton and Dalston.

Cath Coates, fundraiser, said: “We are delighted to be offering the Christmas Tree Collection again this year, particularly with many events cancelled during 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We were keen to continue organising this collection, and we will be following strict guidance to ensure our collectors stay safe.

"Year on year this event has increased in popularity and in turn, so has the fundraising total, which ultimately means we can provide more care for more people.

"We would like to thank all of the supporters of this event, from our leaflet distribution volunteers, to our van drivers and tree collectors, as well as our lead sponsor this year, Lloyd Motor Group."

Supporters can book their tree for collection at www.charityxmastreecollection.com and make a donation of their choice to Hospice at Home.

For more information visit www.hospiceathome.co.uk.