A charity’s Christmas tree recycling bonanza dropped £34,000 into hospice coffers.

The collection of around 2,500 discarded firs and spruce gave a significant boost to Lancaster and South Lakeland’s St John’s Hospice.

Running for eleven years St John’s Christmas tree recycling has raised over £100,000 and this year saw an increase of over five percent in collections, along with a 21 percent increase in revenue.

The mammoth collection saw over 50 teams working around Ambleside, Sedbergh and Garstang. Many of South Lakeland’s trees were transformed into woodchip to power drying boilers by wood fuel specialists Barden Biomass.

Managing director, Will Barden, said the company was delighted to be able to help again with such a worthwhile cause, especially in these difficult times.

He said: “We really enjoy being involved in this important fundraiser. Trees which have given so much pleasure get the chance to go on spreading cheer by providing vital funds for our wonderful local hospice.”

St John’s senior fundraising executive, Karen Crossley, said: “Our Christmas tree recycling is a perfect example of real community spirit. This is an incredible amount of money raised and we can’t thank the teams and Barden Biomass enough, particularly in the current climate.

“Seventy percent of our funding comes from the community so the money raised really does make an incredible contribution to the care of our patients.

“Due to Covid, we have had to cancel all of our events so we are even more grateful for the generosity shown during these collections.

“Tree recycling is important for everyone as we all try harder to reduce our carbon footprint.”