A Christmas tree recycling project has raised more than £5,000 for Dorset Mind.

Between January 6 and 8, Dorset Mind teamed up with their charity partners at Stewarts Garden Centres and Maidmans Moving and Storage to collect and recycle Christmas trees from over 500 homes in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole areas.

For a £10 donation, trees were collected and recycled into four tonnes of wood chippings that Dorset Mind hopes will be put to good use at Stewarts Garden Centres and the charity's ecotherapy 'GAP Projects' in Dorchester and Weymouth.

The Stewarts team who collected the trees, said: "We were so pleased that Dorset Mind joined us to collect Christmas trees - and we enjoyed having the opportunity to raise more money to help them continue their efforts in supporting the current mental health crisis. We know these funds will help those who need it most. Thank you so much to everyone who donated."

Maidmans' director, Steven Webber commented: "We were delighted to assist this amazing charity, which is very close to our hearts, with the collection of the Christmas trees raising much-needed donations. It was very well organized from start to finish - and we look forward to helping next year."

Through the campaign, Dorset Mind were able to raise more than £5,000, providing vital financial assistance for their 1-2-1 and group support that helps combat the current mental health crisis across Dorset.

New CEO of Dorset Mind, Linda O'Sullivan remarked: "We're so grateful to Maidmans and Stewarts Garden Centre for supporting us in our new venture into recycling trees and thank you to all those who donated. This was our first-time organising tree recycling and we're excited about the potential for next year's campaign!

"Our charity partners are a valued resource for Dorset Mind, and we are so appreciative for their generosity and time."

If you'd like to donate to, or partner with Dorset Mind to help the charity provide mental health support for local people in Dorset, head to their website at dorsetmind.uk