An annual campaign that encourages residents to recycle real Christmas trees raised £1,000 for Portland College’s minibus appeal.

Each year, Nottinghamshire County Council’s waste contractor, Veolia, urges people to take the trees to their local recycling centre for shredding for composting.

For every 50 tonnes of trees sent for recycling throughout January, Veolia donated £200 to the specialist Mansfield college, which works with people with disabilities to develop their employability, independence and communication skills.

The college is council chairman Coun Yvonne Woodhead’s chosen charity for the year.
Lea Hawkes, Veolia general manager, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and we say a big thank you for helping to raise funds for this worthwhile charity, while also helping the environment by recycling.”

Damon Musgrove, the college’s fundraising manager, said: “This Tree-cycle campaign is fantastic; it has brought us a step closer to buying a much-needed, specially modified minibus.

“With 400 learners on-site, having this bus will open up many more opportunities, including learners being able to go on more leisure and educational visits, attend off-site training and work experience placements, and get to medical appointments more easily and comfortably.”