Dobbies Andover is offering free Christmas trees to schools and nurseries.

The garden centre wants to help these educational institutions celebrate the festive season by providing them with real Christmas trees.

The initiative is part of the Dobbies Community Christmas Trees programme, which is in partnership with sustainable real tree grower Needlefresh.

The trees are sustainably grown in environmentally managed fields across Scotland, with each tree bearing a tag and a special code to track its origin.

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Dobbies’ Plant Buyer Nigel Lawton with Kenneth Mitchell from Needlefresh (Image: Dobbies Garden Centres) For more information about Dobbies Community Christmas Trees, visit dobbies.com/community-christmas-trees. 

Needlefresh managing director George Hood said: "We hope that local schools and nurseries get in touch to apply for a real tree this Christmas, taking the opportunity to come together for decorating, making memories for pupils, teachers and parents alike."

Dobbies' plant buyer, Nigel Lawton, shared advice for those who are successful in their application, saying: "Preparation and care are key to getting the best out of your real tree Christmas.

"Measure your space before you come to Dobbies’ Andover store and take the tape measure with you to make sure you aren’t buying a tree that will be too big for the space in question."

Applications are now open, with a closing date of 5pm on Wednesday, November 7.