Time is running out to register your Christmas tree for collection in aid of charity.

Scores of people have already registered with the Pilgrims Hospices’ tree recycling service, which sees a team of volunteers collect real trees from homes across the borough over the weekend of January 14 and 15.

The scheme, which raised £14,000 towards the vital work of Pilgrims last year, allows people to register online in return for a donation and have their tree collected and taken to the Cobbs Wood Recycling Centre in Ashford where trees are rotted down into garden compost.

Victoria Lawrence, community fundraising manager for Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, said: “Our hospice elves are already getting ready for the busy lead up to our fabulous Tree Recycling scheme.

“Last year we collected more than 800 Christmas trees and raised over £14,000 for the hospice. We hope to raise even more this time.”

Any size tree can be collected although those over 10ft tall need to be cut into manageable pieces.

Those who do not have a real Christmas tree can still donate by texting LEAF17 followed by the amount you choose, for example £5, to 70070.

Registration closes at midnight on Sunday, January 8.

To register your tree visit www.pilgrimshospices.org/treecycling or call Pilgrims Hospice Ashford for more information on 01233 504111.