Village turns Christmas tree recycling into race

The race, now in its second year, looks set to be an annual fixture

Christmas tree recycling has been turned into a competitive sport in a Hampshire village, where residents race each other to the recycling station.

Runners, armed with their old Christmas trees, ran from St Mary's Church in Ewshot to the village hall car park, about 1,640ft (500m) away, on Saturday.

The idea was born at a party in December 2023, when Nancy Bassant suggested to another villager that she could beat him to the recycling point.

Rules for the event include no decorations, no wheels or motorised vehicles and no use of pets for assistance.

The tradition began after Nancy Bassant challenged a fellow villager to a race

The race is mostly downhill and, after the winner is declared, villagers head to the local pub for a round of drinks bought by the loser.

Ms Bassant said: "It's starting the new year in a healthy way and doing something positive by recycling.

"It's just a positive fun thing to do and a bit hare-brained."