ST ROCCO’S Hospice has launched its popular Christmas tree collection for 2016 helping residents dispose of their real trees while benefitting patient care.

The collection takes place on January 9 when teams of dedicated volunteers will brave the winter temperatures to travel the streets of Warrington to collect trees in return for a donation to the hospice.

The event is supported once again by Ground Level, Warrington Borough Council, Golden Gates Housing Trust, BT Skips, and Shades of Green.

This is the third year the collection will take place and the team at St Rocco’s are keen to beat last year’s donation total of £12,000.

Sophie Birch, events fundraising manager, said: “No-one likes pine needles covering their car seats, so this is the perfect way to dispose of your tree hassle-free, while helping a great cause at the same time.

"We couldn’t put on this service without the generosity of our partners and volunteers, so we would like to thank them all for giving up their first weekend in January for the hospice.

"It’s a great example of organisations and individuals across Warrington working together for the benefit of others.”

Tree collections must be booked in advance and the donation made at the time of booking.

Visit stroccos.org.uk or call 575780.