THE ever-popular annual Christmas tree collection in aid of cancer charity, Sarcoma UK, will now cover Northallerton as well as Stokesley, Great Ayton, Hutton Rudby and surrounding villages.

Local Scouts will once again run their annual Christmas tree collection on January 8 and 9 to support the charity.

In recent years, Scouts have collected old Christmas trees from Stokesley, Great Ayton, Hutton Rudby and surrounding villages to raise money for various good causes. Over the years the event has grown in popularity, with many people using the service each year and helping to make a positive difference to the charities. In 2020, the collection raised more than £600 for Sarcoma UK, a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments.

Sarcoma UK is the only charity in the UK focusing on all types of sarcoma, uncommon cancers that can affect any part of the body, on the inside or outside, including the muscle, bone, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissues. Fifteen people are diagnosed with sarcoma every day in the UK.

Collection organiser, 17-year-old Explorer Scout Jack, said: “This year we’re pleased to be able to extend the collection to Northallerton and hopefully help more people recycle their old Christmas trees and support a charity that supports so many people, including those in the local area, which makes it a cause that the community can really get behind.”

There have been a number of additional challenges this year to ensure that the Christmas tree collection is Covid safe. This has led to a range of changes, including chipping the collected trees for re-use to ensure that the collection remains one of the most environmentally friendly ways to dispose of Christmas trees.

Scouts will be collecting trees from Northallerton, Stokesley, Great Ayton, Hutton Rudby and surrounding villages for a minimum £5 donation to Sarcoma UK. People can book a slot by emailing scoutxmastrees@outlook.com or texting 07572 792946.