CHRISTMAS trees are heading back to their roots as part of a forest recycling scheme.

With every Christmas tree sold at Guisborough Forest and Walkway, in Pinchinthorpe, staff issued an invitation to the customer to return it after the festive period.

In the annual recycling initiative, they hire a 'mulcher' to turn the trees to woodchips, which are then used for laying under hedges and picnic tables.

This year's operation has already begun, with a pile of unwanted spruces being assembled in the car park.