So many of us are looking forward to having a real Christmas tree at the centre of our festive displays after a year like no other – but are altogether less enthusiastic about the New Year clean-up.

Thankfully, a local charity has stepped in to take away all the hassle.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice will be easing people’s post-festive woes with an exciting new Christmas tree recycling service across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire in partnership with several community-spirited local businesses.

For a small donation, the charity and its team of eager elves will collect real Christmas trees from outside people’s homes and then recycle them in an ethical and environmentally friendly way.

Each tree recycled will help Bluebell Wood be there for children and families across the region who simply don’t know how long they have together.

Long-standing Bluebell Wood supporter XPO Logistics, which has sites in Barnsley, Chapeltown and Doncaster, is delighted to lend its support and expertise to the charity’s new service.

Gavin Williams, managing director, supply chain – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “As a business we’re always looking for ways to give back, and our Christmas tree collection is a practical way to help the community while supporting a life-changing local charity.

“In addition to raising funds for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and aiding the recycling effort, we’ll be removing any stray trimmings so that everything runs as smoothly as possible."

Booking a collection couldn’t be easier – all people need to do is click here and follow the button for their area, or call 01909 508103.

All the real Christmas trees that are collected will then be chipped and turned into compost, with some used to grow new trees and others used in the gardens at Bluebell Wood.

Much of the charity’s traditional festive fundraising has been cancelled this year, so they are urging people to sign up to help raise much-needed funds.

Sally Baker, Regional fundraiser for Bluebell Wood, said: “We’re very excited to launch our Christmas tree recycling service to make life that bit easier for people in the New Year.

“All people need to do is register their details, and we’ll do the rest.

"Each and every donation we receive will help support our life-changing work as we look forward to making precious memories with local children and families in the year ahead."

“None of this would be possible without the support of some amazing local businesses, so we’d like to say a huge thank you to all those who’ve helped us put the service together.”

Bluebell Wood would like to thank XPO Logistics, Billingley Christmas Tree Farm, Gorsefield Farm, Sunnybank Farm, Fletcher's Waste Management, Envar Composting, Paul Day Tree Surgery, Bank Park, Brier Hills Recycling, Notcutts and Darfoulds for their support with the scheme.

Recycle your tree while helping local families at the same time