A CHRISTMAS tree collection service raised more than £20,000 for charity.

More than 2100 trees were collected across Chelmsford, Maldon and Burnham to raise money for Farleigh Hospice.

The event ran between January 7 and 9, with 400 homes in the district getting involved.

Residents in Maldon and Burnham helped raise £3,600 for the cause. They were able to register to have their Christmas tree taken away and recycled in exchange for a donation to the charity.

In Maldon, Heybridge Swifts Football Club collected the trees which were chipped and disposed of by the Countryside & Coast Team. In Burnham-on-Crouch, Burnham Rugby Club collected the trees and The Limes Farm Shop chipped and disposed of them.

Debbie De Boltz, fundraising manager for Farleigh Hospice, said: “We are thrilled so many of that community took part in our recycling scheme.

“The money raised will go towards caring for people with life limiting illnesses, and the recycled trees will help the environment.

“We’d particularly like to thank all the businesses and volunteers who gave up their weekend and put in a lot of hard work.”

Richard Holmes, director of customers and community at the council, added: “We are proud to support Farleigh Hospice’s campaign. They do amazing work and really make a difference to people with life limiting illnesses.”