The Young Farmers' Christmas tree collection in Hadleigh is back and sun bears are among those that benefit.

Ben Hopkins, the ex chairman of Halstead young farmers club, started the Christmas tree collection idea when he organised charity events to bring people such as young farmers and those from rural backgrounds together.

He said: "I did a Christmas tree collection as a bit of a way of raising money for the young farmers club in Halstead three years ago and it was really successful.

"And since now owning Town and Village properties in Needham Market, we work with the local young farmers clubs around the area including in Hadleigh, to try and raise money for their charities.

"Each club in their local areas collect Christmas tree's as part of a competition, to see who can raise the most money for charity, this years deadline is the 9th January.

"We are looking to raise awareness of the estate agent and bring money for the local charities of the young farmers clubs."

Ben says that the Christmas trees get ecologically recycled into multure and some even get donated for the animals to use at Colchester Zoo, including its Sun Bears.

Last year Hadleigh collected 64 trees and raised a total of £1627 between the 4 clubs to their various charities. The Hadleigh team say they are aiming for more than 100 trees this year.

If you wish to donate your Christmas tree to this good cause, please call Town and Village Properties at 01449 722003.

Or email Ben Hopkins at [email protected] to arrange a free collection date.

There is a minimum donation of £5 and trees will need to be collected for the January 9.

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