A hospice charity is marking a double success.

Christmas trees collected from households and businesses by Lewis-Manning Hospice Care not only raised more than £9,000.

They’ll also produce 3.5 tonnes of product, such as soil improver, once composted.

The annual collection, now in its third year, was carried out earlier this month.

A total of 770 trees were taken to the Parley site of  Lewis-Manning Hospice Care’s recycling partner, Eco Sustainable Solutions.

They were shredded and then placed into windrows – an elongated mound made from compostable material.

Once composted, they’ll result in products including Eco Mix soil improver.

Ruth Wright, Area Fundraiser, said the charity was extremely grateful for all the support received from local businesses and volunteers.

She added: “We are thrilled to have grown our Christmas tree collection service so much this year and proud of the level of recycling that was achieved.

“All this has been possible because of the incredible support that we’ve received from some of our brilliant partners.

“There are many thanks to make: Eco Sustainable Solutions, Greendale Construction, Tower Park, VW Breeze and Abacus Vehicle Hire, Stewarts Garden Centre, Dorset Tree Surgeons, James Dean Garden Maintenance, Head2Toe Workwear, David Lloyd Clubs Poole and EasyStorage Dorset, all of whom have helped in their different and individual ways.

“We also had a fantastic crew of volunteer drivers and helpers including U4L, Irwin-Mitchell solicitors and Rifu.

“It was quite a mammoth operation but the support that was offered to us made it a fun and effective campaign.

“Huge thanks to all.”

Peter Hardy, Commercial Director, Eco Sustainable Solutions, pictured left, said, “We are pleased to have been able to support the Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Christmas tree collection for yet another year.

“As well as being able to show our support for such a worthwhile cause, it’s also been a great way of showing how we can turn waste into wonderful products that can be used again.

“As a business we are extremely proud of the amount of product that we give away each year to support charitable and community-based projects in Dorset.

“Each year we donate on average 100 tonnes of product.

“We are very committed to supporting our local community in this way.”