RECYCLING an old Christmas tree in Gloucestershire can help support people with life limiting illnesses.

The door-to-door collection scheme run by charity Longfield Hospice Care this festive season is being supported by Stroud District Council who are encouraging residents to donate their trees rather than take them to the skip.

Every year the Minchinhampton-based charity provides free support and care to more than 900 people living with life limiting illnesses across the county.

Volunteers who have signed up to the JustHelping scheme will pick up trees in return for a donation to help Longfield continue its care.

Julia Mundell, Longfield community and events manager, said: “When you’re taking your old Christmas tree to the recycling centre you inevitably get pine needles all over the boot of the car. 

“For a small donation we can make sure you don’t spend the first weekend in January vacuuming your car out and you’ll be helping us to raise funds that we need to support our patients and their families.”

She added: “The trees will be shredded here at Longfield by Copse and Loggers. Our volunteers will accompany drivers to collect the trees and then help to bag up the shredding – what a great way to work off the excess pounds most of us gain over Christmas.”

The suggested donation is £15 but can be made for as little as £5. Collections are available in areas including Stroud, Gloucester, Dursley, Wotton-under-Edge, and Cirencester and will be made from Friday, January 5, to Sunday, January 7. They can be booked online through Stroud District Council’s website.

Longfield, which is the largest hospice-at-home provider in the county, hopes to shred 1,000 trees and volunteers who can help are welcome. The chippings will be used in the charity’s garden, or sold with proceeds going to the hospice.

A SDC spokesman said: “In previous years we’ve provided skips for Christmas trees, but many people found it was difficult to transport their trees there, not to mention the fact that they would be picking needles out of the upholstery for weeks afterwards.

“So we’ve teamed up with Longfield who will collect trees from your home, business, school, pub or hotel and recycle them.”

Collections must be registered on or before January 3. To book a collection and make a donation, visit Stroud District Council’s website at www.stroud.gov.uk, click on ‘Bins, rubbish and recycling’ then click ‘Christmas tree recycling’ or visit www.charityxmastreecollection.com.

Anyone without internet access who wishes to arrange a collection can do so by calling Longfield on 01453 886 868.