A Christmas tree recycling fundraiser generated over £17,300 for a hospice.

People could make donations to St Clare Hospice in return for having their trees collected for recycling, with uptake from areas including Church End, Elder Street, Little Walden, Saffron Walden and Wimbish Green.

Government figures reveal some eight million Christmas trees were purchased in 2020, and up to six million went to landfill.

St Clare provides support to adults with life limiting illnesses and depends heavily on fundraising activities to continue vital work.

Fundraiser Ellie Gale said: “The money raised from this campaign will cover the cost of 73 night home visits by one of our nursing assistants. A night sitter can be an absolute lifeline for people with a life-limiting condition, and their family, who are often caring for them round the clock.”