THE Hospice of the Good Shepherd is appealing to local people to volunteer at this year’s Christmas Tree Festival at the Chester Cathedral.

The festival returns for its sixth year to allow visitors to escape from the hustle and bustle of the festive period and lose themselves in the tree-lined cloisters within the cathedral.

Volunteers who you can spare a couple of hours between December 1-23 to man a desk from 11am-2pm are urged to get in touch now.

Justin Caroe, community fundraiser, said: “We are delighted to be chosen to benefit from the Christmas Tree Festival this year.

“The trees are a great sight be to seen with local companies and schools decorating their individual trees and you are given the chance to vote for your favourite for a small donation back to the hospice.’

Visitors will be encouraged to vote for their favourite tree and winners, announced at the closing of the festival, have the chance to win a Falconry Experience and an engraved trophy.

The Hospice of the Good Shepherd has helped thousands of residents with life-limiting illnesses and relies on donations and fundraising to continue to help even more people in the community.

Anyone interested in volunteering call the Hospice of the Good Shepherd’s fundraising office on 01244 851 811 or email fundraising@hospicegs.com for more information.