Salisbury Hospice Charity raised £30,000 during its most recent Christmas Tree Collection and Recycling initiative, breaking all previous records.

The three-day operation involved 33 vehicles collecting 1,500 trees across the region with volunteers from across the community and local businesses.

The collected trees are used as food for alpacas and goats or chipped into mulch for reinforcement of footpaths at farms.

Annually, Salisbury Hospice spends £2.9m to care for up to 1,000 people living with life-limiting illnesses free of charge, £1.5m of which is expected to be raised by Salisbury Hospice Charity.

This year, Salisbury Hospice Charity has also decided to donate 10 per cent of the profits raised to the Salisbury & South Wilts Scouts.

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A statement from Salisbury Hospice Charity thanked all volunteers and the more than 20 participating businesses for their efforts.

Salisbury Hospice Charity said: “They have kindly dedicated their time, staff and resources in support of the hospice, many of whom have been touched by the hospice themselves.

“The money raised from the collection supports Salisbury Hospice- allowing patients to have dignity and choice in their final days; providing support to families, carers and friends, and ensuring that comfort and advice is given at every stage of the dying process.

“The charity is extremely grateful to everyone who registered their tree, and would like to extend its gratitude to the kind sponsor, Step Associates.”