SIX million Christmas trees will be discarded early in the New Year, but at least 150 lucky spruces will be saved to grow another year thanks to a Chippenham Pit Stop environmental initiative.

These potted trees, up to seven foot tall, will be available for hire to the local community at the stop, just off junction 17 of the M4, on Saturday December 1 between 10am and 2pm, at a festive fun event including local choirs, stalls and children's entertainment.

After Christmas, when all the potted trees have been returned, they will go back to a Gloucestershire nursery to grow on for another year.

The trees, with more available on demand, will also be for hire right up until Christmas Eve.

Managing Director David Hatherell said: "Just think of all the harmful carbon dioxide emissions our trees will be soaking up next year instead of going to landfill," he said.

"They use hardly any energy to be grown when compared with plastic trees and when they do eventually die, many years from now, they will naturally rot down instead of polluting our countryside and waterways," said David.

Maintaining the Christmas spirit, the Chippenham Pit Stop will also be donating potted trees to seven local schools for the kids to enjoy and a further £5 per tree rented by parents and friends will be donated to school funds .