If you're stumped for a prickle-free way to remove your Christmas tree this January, Longfield Hospice has an easy answer.

The charity's successful scheme for eco-friendly and sustainable disposal of wilting trees is set to continue for this festive season thanks to the hard work of its volunteers.

In the wake of last Christmas's campaign which saw some 2,900 households across the county take part, a new target has been set for the vital care that Longfield provides.

A spokesman for the Minchinhampton-based hospice said: "We're hoping to collect and recycle more trees than ever this year and raise in excess of £50,000, which could help fund over 900 hours of Hospice at Home Care!"

From now, homes in the Stroud, Cirencester and Gloucester districts are invited to book a collection of their trees as a free service with an invitation to make a volutary donation online for the service.

Longfield Hospice added: "Once collected, the trees will be taken to recycling sites across Gloucestershire where they will be chipped into mulch and reused at those sties making it an eco-friendly way to dispose of your tree. This means no needles in your car, no trips to the tip; we can do all the hard work for you whilst at the same time you are supporting your local community hospice."

All donations help the hospice deliver vital care and support, 365 days a year to patients, their family and carers in Gloucestershire, and bookings can be made until January 9th. 

And if any Gloucesestershire traders or residents can held the scheme by volunteering time, a vehicle or a chipper, the events team can be contacted on 01483 886868 or emailed at events@longfield.org.uk.

The scheme is administered by registered charity Just Helping, which coordinates volunteer support for local communities. Its main event is the Christmas tree collection, which raises money through voluntary donations when someone registers their tree online. 

A spokesman said: "We love collecting and recycling real Christmas trees because it engages many volunteers and encourages people to donate to charities."