A Christmas tree recycling scheme has raised more than £22,000 for charity Longfield Hospice Care.

The charity collected over 2,500 trees - more than twice its 1,000 target - from across Stroud district, Cirencester and Gloucester.

An army of 115 volunteers and a fleet of 55 donated vans collected the trees in just four days from homes, businesses and schools in return for a donation to Longfield.

Fifteen businesses supported the effort including: RED (Robert Express Delivery) Ian Williams, Lloyds Bank, TSB Bank, Mira, Clarkson Evans, Turnkey Constructions, GE Aviation and Brace.

RED loaned two vans for five days as well as provided a lorry for two days to transport the Christmas trees from all of the drop locations to the chipping site in Thornbury.

Ermin Plant Hire in Gloucester donated the use of a chipper for one week which enabled the charity to keep down the cost of the collection campaign.

Brace Creative Agency volunteered for two days using their own vehicle trailer to collect trees and to help with the chipping. The chippings will be used by lawn care company Lawn Doc.

A spokesman for Lawn Doc said: “We believe that Longfield is working towards a great cause.

“From collecting so many trees we managed to stack up an impressive mountain of chippings which will be left to decompose so it can be used for mulch around plants.”

The campaign was supported by Stroud District Council.

Cllr Simon Pickering, chair of Stroud District Council’s environment committee said: “This is an incredible result and illustrates that people are keen to recycle when they are provided with the opportunity.

“As well as helping the environment, the scheme offered the added bonus of supporting a worthwhile cause and it is good to know that the money raised in the county will support those who live here.”

Each year the Minchinhampton-based charity provides free-of-charge support and care to more than 700 people living with life limiting illnesses across the county.

Ali Russell, Chief Executive at Longfield, said “We were overwhelmed by the public’s response to this campaign and to raise more than £22,000 is an incredible achievement.

“We could not have done this without the support of our committed volunteers and our corporate partners who so generously donated vehicles, support and equipment.”