Weldmar Hospicecare has had to cancel its Christmas Tree-cycle scheme following the Prime Minister's announcement of a national lockdown.

Trinity Street Christmas Trees, which is based in Trinity Street, Dorchester, partnered with the charity and was due to pick up trees in Dorchester on Friday in return for a suggested minimum donation of £10.

But the charity said it must put the safety of its staff, volunteers and supporters at Magna Housing and partners at Trinity Street Christmas Trees first.

Matt Smith, director of fundraising and marketing for Weldmar Hospicecare, said: "We are devastated that we are unable to continue with the scheme this year after what was promising to be our most successful to date.

"This comes after an extremely challenging year for fundraising events and activities at Weldmar, with us not holding any events or fundraisers such as this since January last year.

"We are extremely sorry to everyone who supported the scheme and of course we will be offering a full refund.

"Since the start of Covid-19 we have seen the demand for our services significantly increase as we've continued to provide care and support right on the front line.

"Our services have remained fully open throughout the pandemic and we will continue providing care to everyone who needs us most over the challenging weeks and months ahead."

Everyone who participated in the scheme is encouraged to continue to donate their fee to Weldmar Hospicecare so their donation can still be used by the charity's dedicated team to continue providing vital end of life care.

Without fundraising events or activities and Weldmar's charity shops closing once more, these donations will make a massive difference. If supporters feel unable to still donate their fee, the charity completely understands and will process refunds within seven working days.

Trinity Street Christmas Trees has already committed to supporting the scheme again next year.

Find out more about Weldmar Hospicecare here.

You can submit your own news straight to Dorchester Nub News by using the 'Nub It' button on our home page. This can also be done for events on our What's On page and businesses, groups and organisations on our Local Listings page , also by using the 'Nub It' button.

Please like and follow our online newspaper on your favourite social media channel. You can find us @DorchesterNubNews on Facebook and @DorchesterNub Twitter.