CHRISTMAS may be over but that didn’t stop students from Wiltshire College chipping more than 100 trees and raise money for charity.

The 131 trees were collected from across Chippenham in a scheme by Dorothy House, who as well as collecting the trees raised £6,041.

Horticultural students from the Lackham campus, which specialises in landbased courses, then chipped the trees last month.

“This was a great opportunity for our students to gain work experience during their time at college to enhance their skills and increase their employability,” said Chris Roberts, horticulture lecturer.

Wood chipping specialist Bill Johnston, from T H White, brought a Greenmech chipper to the campus to assist in the processing and recycling of the Christmas trees, which will now be used on the rhododendrons and azaleas in the grounds at Lackham.

Anthony Cockell, head gardener at Lackham, said: “We would like to give our sincere gratitude to Bill and TH White, not only for providing the equipment but Bill’s approach and delivery of information to the students was exemplary.”