Sue Ryder launches a Christmas tree recycling for Oxfordshire and Berkshire

The Christmas Treecycling service will be available to book until 31 December

A bereavement charity has launched a Christmas tree recycling initiative in a bid to raise vital funds.

Sue Ryder is encouraging Oxfordshire and Berkshire residents to take part in its Christmas Treecycling scheme.

Volunteers will collect trees in a number of areas across the two counties between 9 and 12 January in return for a donation.

Community fundraiser Sue Soffe said the money could "help fill a family's final days with love".

The scheme requires that trees are not taller than 10ft, that they are not in a pot, and that stands are removed.

Each tree could be turned into compost or wood chippings for local parks, gardens or landscaping projects.

The service is eligible for residents who live in certain postcode areas and will be open to book until 31 December.

The project aims to raise funds towards the charity's palliative care and bereavement support work.

Community fundraiser Sue Soffe said the scheme would help the charity provide expert care to people with life-limiting conditions, as well as supporting their families.

"Last year our charity provided palliative care to thousands of families across the country," she said.

"Sue Ryder's bereavement support includes an online community forum, free bereavement counselling service, personalised text support and new Grief Kind Spaces in Reading and Thatcham and other parts of the country too.

"A donation of £25 could help fund an hour of expert care and help fill a family's final days with love."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].