MORE than 1,500 discarded Christmas trees are expected to be recycled next week to help raise thousands of pounds for a local hospice.

Some 65 volunteers from Darlington Rotary Club will tour local streets with a fleet of 22 large vans collecting the trees from homeowners in return for a small donation to the town’s St. Teresa’s Hospice.

“Everyone wins from this venture”, said Rotary club organiser David Hayward. “Residents throughout the borough avoid mess in their cars and the hospice gains much needed extra funds.”

The club has already tagged 3000 trees, sold by Croft Christmas Trees, with labels promoting the collection and hopes to raise over £7000 for the hospice.

Vans will be loaned free by Darlington garage Drive Vauxhall and rental companies Enterprise and Charter. Butcher Taylor & Sons will provide hot food for the volunteers. and John Wade, operator of the town’s waste recycling centre, will mulch the trees into garden fertiliser.

Anyone wishing to have their tree recycled should register it before noon on Thursday January 3 by visiting www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk or contacting the hospice on 01325-254321.

A minimum donation of £5 is requested.