Record number of Christmas trees collected for Fylde sand dunes this year - but annual planting event will not go ahead

The task will instead be done by a small operational team from Fylde Council to reduce the risk of coronavirus.

A spokesman for St Annes in Bloom said: "In this past year of changes and cancellations we are getting used to things not going to plan. Unfortunately this year’s annual Christmas tree planting event is no different. In the interest of safety it has been decided that the event will not go ahead with volunteers in any capacity due to the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

"This year has seen a record number of trees collected this year, 2,500, which is in fact more than in any of the past nine years the Christmas tree planting project started. It is essential that these trees are buried to catch the sand blowing in from the strong onshore winds we have been having recently. Therefore, a small operational team from Fylde Council will be out there working hard and in the safest manner possible to ensure these trees go in to provide added coastal protection for our fantastic community.

"With more trees, and significantly less helping hands, it will take some time for the team to work their way through burying the trees, so please be patient. If you are out walking on the beach for your daily exercise, please give them a wave."

People who would have otherwise helped to bury the trees on the sand dunes can show their support for the Fylde Sand Dunes project has on social media.