Animals at the Welsh Mountain Zoo are to get extra bedding and feed thanks to an innovative fundraising initiative by St Kentigern Hospice using old Christmas trees.

Chimpanzees, bears and parrots will benefit with the zoo expected to take delivery of over 50 real trees as part of the collection and disposal scheme organised by the St Asaph-based charity in exchange for a donation.

Laura Parry, of St Kentigern Hospice, said: "We are joining together with many different groups in the community to collect and dispose of used real Christmas trees in exchange for a donation to raise cash for hospice services and other local good causes.

"So rather than individuals and companies wrestling the tree into their car, and dealing with the problematic needles for months to come, the community can put their tree to good use and allow it to make a real difference to local people.

“This collection will make a huge difference to both the hospice and the wider community. This January we are working in partnership with many local groups and businesses to ensure we provide an excellent collection and the trees go make an environmental difference for the local area.”

Marcia Azevedo Moreira of the Welsh Mountain Zoo said: “When the hospice approached us with details of the initiative we recognised straight away that it was a fantastic partnership."

Register a tree for collection in the following postcode areas: LL15, LL16, LL17, LL18, LL19, LL22, LL28, CH6 and CH8. Visit https://charityxmastreecollection.com/. Collection on January 11, 12 and 13. For more telephone 01745 775415 or www.st.kentigernhospice.org.uk