An Ayr garden centre will give free Christmas trees to Ayr education centres.

Dobbies is announcing four nursery groups and local schools who are set to receive a free real Christmas tree from its Ayr store as part of its Not Your Average Community campaign, in partnership with sustainable tree grower Needlefresh.

Dobbies’ Christmas campaign is all about supporting communities local to its Ayr store, spreading yuletide cheer to nurseries and schools in the run up to the festivities.

Schools and nurseries from across the UK were invited to nominate themselves to receive a real Christmas tree donation.

Sixty-nine per cent of entries were from nurseries and 31 per cent were schools.

Dobbies’ Ayr store will welcome Shortlees Primary School, Kingcase Primary School and Early Years Centre, Muirkirk Primary School and Bellsbank Early Childhood Centre to come along to choose a Nordmann Fir tree, making sure children across Ayrshire can experience the magic of Christmas.

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Chloë Bell, Dobbies’ CSR and community communications executive, was delighted with the response to Dobbies’ Not Your Average Community campaign.

She said: “We’re amazed by the number of entries and nominations for this year’s campaign and would like to thank everyone for spending the time to get involved.

“Christmas marks a magical moment in our childhoods, and we’re thrilled to be bringing some festive cheer to young members in our communities this year.

"Needlefresh has made this campaign possible with their generous support, and we’d like to extend our thanks to George and his team for all their hard work.

"A huge thank you to our Ayr store for all its help and hard work supporting the local community.”

Needlefresh Managing Director George Hood added: “Our sustainable Nordmann Fir Christmas trees make a wonderful centrepiece to festive celebrations, and we’re excited to see how the kids bring this classic tree to life.

"It’s a pleasure to be supporting so many nurseries and schools across the country this year in partnership with Dobbies.”

For more information visit www.dobbies.com/not-your-average-community.