THOUSANDS of pounds has been raised for a hospice thanks to residents recycling their unwanted Christmas trees.

More than 600 trees were collected from homes around Worcestershire by a team of volunteers from St Richard's Hospice.

A grand total of £7,500 was raised through people making donations in return for having their old trees collected.

The money will now be poured back into helping the hospice provide free care and support for people living with life-limiting illnesses.

Jayne Sargeant, hospice community fundraiser, said: "Clearing away a real Christmas tree after the festive season can be a hassle, but this service made life easier for people because the trees were collected from their own doorsteps.

"We want to thank the fantastic volunteers who made this possible and who supported our care in this way. This was the first time St Richard’s ran the scheme and based on this year’s great success we will hope to make this an annual initiative."

Businesses that backed the scheme - including Fortis Living, ACW Trees and Droitwich Spa Marina - provided volunteers to collect the trees.

St Richard’s Hospice provides free, specialist palliative care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their loved ones.

Each year the hospice team supports over 2,500 patients and family members in Worcestershire.

For more information visit strichards.org.uk