A North East hospice has launched a campaign to recycle Christmas trees following the festive season.

Teesside Hospice launched its Christmas Tree Recycling Campaign to collect and recycle residents' trees in January next year.

The hospice has asked anyone wishing to have their tree collected to donate to the hospice and help its work caring for their patients living with terminal illnesses.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

A Teesside Hospice spokesperson said: "Each January, Teesside Hospice and our wonderful volunteers go around Teesside to collect your Christmas trees and recycle them! All that we ask is that you make a donation in return, to help us care for our patients living with terminal illnesses.

"The simplest, greenest and most charitable way to dispose of your Christmas tree is to get involved in our Christmas Tree Recycling Scheme.

"Our friendly team of Christmas elves will take care of your tree in the most environmentally responsible way, meaning you don’t need to make a trip to the tip or spend time vacuuming needles out of your car.

"If we cannot see your tree, we will leave a calling card to let you know we visited.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

"Thank you. We really appreciate your support, we couldn't do any of this without you."

The hospice said 2,461 trees were collected and recycled last year, and this raised over £30,000 for the hospice.

All trees will be chipped and recycled in an effort to reduce carbon emissions.

The collections will take place on January 11, 12 and 13 2024 and covers Teesside postcodes from TS1 to TS23.