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Villagers compete in Christmas tree recycling race

Jessica BradleySouth of England
News imageNancy Bassant A group of people standing in a line, some wearing fancy dress, smiling, on a sunny day Nancy Bassant
It is the third year the village has held the race

Christmas tree recycling has been turned into a race for the third year running in a Hampshire village.

Ewshot residents, armed with their old Christmas trees, raced each other about 1,640ft (500m) from St Mary's Church to a recycling station in the village hall car park.

The rules included no wheels or motorised vehicles, no decorations and only real trees measuring 4ft (1.2m) or more.

The winner of the annual race receives a homemade medal or trophy while the loser has to buy a round of drinks afterwards.

News imageNancy Bassant A group of adults and children wearing high-vis jackets stand outside a church, some holding homemade placcardsNancy Bassant
A record number of people entered the race this year, said organiser Nancy Bassant

The idea came about in December 2023, when Nancy Bassant suggested to a neighbour that she could beat him to the recycling point.

Speaking after the race on Saturday, she said: "This has been the best year yet for our fabulous village - a record entry with everyone getting involved with fancy dress, supporting and marshalling - really showing Ewshot in all our glory.

"It's the perfect way to start the new year."