MORE THAN 2,000 Christmas trees were collected in just three days by volunteers raising a record-breaking £40,000 for Salisbury Hospice Charity.

This year’s annual Christmas Tree Collection, which ran from January 9 to 11, saw a significant rise in registrations as residents across the area signed up to have their trees collected in exchange for a donation.

Volunteers travelled across a 20-mile radius, collecting old Christmas trees from homes in Salisbury and surrounding villages, as well as further afield in Stockbridge, Whiteparish and Shaftesbury.

The trees were then recycled into eco-friendly chippings on local farms or fed to alpacas at Barefoot Barns, a bespoke wellbeing service for children and adults with additional needs.

The collection was made possible by a team of more than 70 volunteers, including support from several local businesses, and has been described as a resounding success.

Through donations and sponsorship from Sampson Coward, the event raised more than £40,000 – the highest total ever achieved by the Christmas tree collection in Salisbury.

This substantial sum will help fund the vital services provided by Salisbury Hospice, which offers compassionate care and support to patients and their families across the community.

Community fundraiser for Salisbury Hospice Charity Alex Brown said: “I am delighted to announce the incredible total raised and wish to express our huge gratitude to everyone who donated, and to the many volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the weekend.

“Without our community, and these wonderful volunteers, this event simply would not happen.”

Salisbury Hospice Charity extended heartfelt thanks to the many organisations and individuals who supported the event, including Salisbury and South Wilts Scouts, Walsh Tree Services, Rose Farm Hurdcott, Stump Grinders, Newbourne Composting, Linden Van Hire, Tesco Extra Salisbury, Nationwide Building Society, Breeze Environmental, Milestone Infrastructure, Virtu Property, ASG Landscaping, Doccombe Global Logistics, Wessex Timber Windows, Boatwrights Estate Agents, Clearite, Neil Smith Builders, Neil Smith Illustration, and Donald and Sarah Capewell.

The charity is now calling on business to volunteer for the next collection.

For more information, visit www.salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk