A HOSPICE in Ulverston has collected hundreds of unwanted Christmas trees from residents in south Cumbria to raise vital funds.

St Mary’s Hospice, based on Ford Park Crescent, have collected real Christmas trees for several years as part of their annual ‘Charitree’ fundraising campaign.

Dozens of volunteers around Barrow, Millom and Ulverston came to Charnley’s Home and Garden centre before heading out to collect over 260 trees.

All trees collected were chipped by Greaves Tree Services and the mulch will be used for gardening.

Over £3,000 was raised for the hospice, who rely heavily on donations to afford the £3.2m annual cost for St Mary’s.

There was no set charge for the service, but residents were encouraged to donate to St Mary’s in return for having their real Christmas tree collected and disposed of.

Clare Tonkin, Area Fundraiser for St Mary’s said the scheme is a great way for people to recycle and give money to the hospice.

She said: “It is a great opportunity for the community to support the hospice and the support we have received has been great.

“I have had to turn volunteers away this year, so we will launch a campaign and raise more awareness next year so we can collect more trees and raise more money.

“Every donation makes a huge difference at St Mary’s because it costs £3.2m a year to run the hospice.

“I would like to thank every single person who donated and volunteered.”

Ken Bruce, a resident in Ulverston, has donated real Christmas trees for a number of years.

He added that it is important that people support St Mary’s for the wonderful work they do.

He said: “It is essential that local businesses like St Mary’s receive support because you never know when you might need them.

“It raises money and it makes a difference to the community.”