Chipping Christmas trees for charity at Woolacombe

CHARITY Christmas tree chippers are urging people to do their bit for the environment and help out a local charity at the same time. A tree chipping station is being set up at the Pitch and Putt car park in Woolacombe to enable people to recycle their unw

CHARITY Christmas tree chippers are urging people to do their bit for the environment and help out a local charity at the same time.

A tree chipping station is being set up at the Pitch and Putt car park in Woolacombe to enable people to recycle their unwanted spruces.

Chipping costs �2 a tree, while for just �4, organisers will arrange for trees to be collected, with proceeds being given to the Children's Hospice South West.

The "Merry Chipmas" scheme grew from an idea by local gardeners Pete Starbuck from Pete Starbuck Tree Care and Ross Phillips from Garden Grooming. They recruited Dave Trickett from Countryside and Garden who was keen to get involved.

"Christmas is traditionally a time for children, so it seemed appropriate to organise this chipping event to raise funds for the Children's Hospice South West and the excellent work they do," said Dave. "We really hope the public will get behind us and recycle their old trees."

Collections take place on January 8 and 9 with chipping on January 10.

For collections in the Ilfracombe and West Down areas, telephone Pete Starbuck Tree Care on 07920 127449; for Woolacombe, Mortehoe and Lee telephone Garden Grooming on 07789 776334; and for Braunton, Knowle, Georgeham and Croyde call Countryside and Garden on 07789 880193.

Wood chippings will be free to collect, with donations to the hospice welcome.