A CHILDREN’S HOSPICE is encouraging Bournemouth residents to sign up for its Christmas tree collection to recycle their trees and raise money for charity.

Julia’s House, a children’s hospice supporting families across Dorset, will be carrying out the collections between January 11 and January 13.

With help from volunteers from local businesses and community groups, collections will take place through postcode areas BH1 to BH23 and BH31.

The real trees will then be taken to Adventure Pirate in Lytchett Minster and ECO Sustainable Solutions in Christchurch where they will be recycled and used as chippings on local farms and community spaces.

It is the third year Julia’s House has run the tree recycling service, as well as a collection of an optional suggested donation of £10 to support the charity’s care for local families.

Last year, the hospice recycled 630 Christmas trees and raised more than £7,000 across Dorset and Wiltshire.

Charlie Squires, from the fundraising team at Julia’s House, said, “We’re delighted to be running our charity Christmas tree collection again this year.

“When it’s time to take the baubles and tinsel down, we’ll be ready with our friendly team of helpers to collect and recycle your real tree from your doorstep.

“Any donations made to Julia’s House children’s hospice will make a vital difference in helping us to care for local children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their families.”

The promotion of this year’s collection in Dorset is sponsored by Eco Sustainable Solutions and The Fencing Centre.

Steve Randall, managing director of The Fencing Centre, said, “We are delighted to be helping Julia’s House with their tree recycling program.”

Registration for the tree collection and recycling service closes at midday on January 8 and can be booked on the Julia’s House website under ‘Christmas Tree Collection & Recycling’.