A DORSET charity has launched a Christmas tree collection scheme – one of its biggest fundraisers of the year.

Diverse Abilities has launched the recycling service, sponsored by Waste Management Facilities, with bookings now being taken.

Those who book, for a suggested donation of £10, will have their tree collected from Friday, January 5 and Monday, January 8 from Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wimborne, East Dorset and Ringwood.

Francesca Potton, community fundraiser, said: “We’re thrilled to see the return of our Treecycling service. It’s one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.

“By booking to have your Christmas tree collected by Diverse Abilities you can help us raise vital funds to run our services that support children and adults with disabilities in Dorset.”

Collections can be booked online, with the charity’s team of volunteers taking to the roads of Dorset over the collection weekend to ensure trees are disposed of sustainably and recycled into wood chippings.

Lisa Delahunty, managing director at Waste Management Facilities Limited, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Abilities again this year.

“We will be helping with the logistics and ensuring your Christmas tree will be disposed of sustainably so that we can help raise money for the children and adults supported by the charity.”

Diverse Abilities is also recruiting volunteers to help the Treecycling team to collect and recycle Christmas trees.

Families and businesses with access to vans, pickup trucks, or buses should contact Fran on 01202 718266 to discuss how to get involved and help make a difference.

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/trees to book your Christmas tree collection for the first weekend of January.