A hospice has raised more than £4,500 after a charity Christmas tree collection.

The Hospice of St Francis, which helps people in St Albans and Harpenden, collected 406 trees, raising £4,584.

A team of volunteers set out on January 6 and 7, supported by recycling contractor Veolia. After being collected, trees were sent to a processing site and will be made into compost.

Hannah Norton, community fundraiser at the hospice, said, “It’s the first time we’ve been involved with a Christmas tree collection which supports our Hospice and we’re thrilled with how successful it was.

“We’re extremely grateful to the Lions of Harpenden and St Albans, the Round Table, Veolia and the council for helping out.”

"Around 25% of our patients who need care in one of our Hospice beds come from the St Albans and Harpenden area.”

Money raised will go towards toys and books for children dealing with the loss of a parent, for delicious and nutritious smoothies to encourage a patient with a poor appetite to enjoy eating again or to fund one of the hospice’s beds for an hour.