There I was going about my usual Sunday business when all of a sudden I got a phone call - due to the expected cold temperatures (and maybe snow!) tonight, the Essex Highways staff helping collect the trees for Farleigh Hospice couldn't make it!

Being the hero I am, I stepped up. Andy grabbed a van from his mate and we were ready to rock and roll. We drove around Boreham grabbing trees, with a midway break to empty the van and for snacks and coffee.

3 houses hadn't left their trees out and one house wasn't actually in Boreham but we got the rest. We dropped them back at the farm to be chipped up. The large pile in the background you can see is about 3000 trees! Amazing work everyone who has collected trees, raising an estimated £50,000 for the charity's wonderful work.

We were profusely thanked for stepping in at the last minute and they told Andy 'make sure you thank your son too'. I don't know whether to be offended or not...

One thing to note is Andy is very sweary when driving a white van.