A SCHOOL in Maiden Newton is hoping to spread some festive cheer by auctioning off its Christmas tree.

Children at Greenford Primary School are currently enjoying the 20-foot Christmas tree but when the term ends the school is looking to find a new home for it.

It has put the tree on ebay for someone to snap up and take home after the school breaks up on Friday.

Proceeds will go to school funds.

Head teacher Franz Atkinson said: “We thought of the idea of selling our cut tree to raise funds because it will be redundant a full five days before Christmas Day.

“Therefore, we wanted to offer it for sale to bring smiles to faces, a little bit of goodwill and perhaps some money to our primary school.”

Dr David Aplin, a botanist, parent and member of the Friends of Greenford School (FOGS) added that it would be a shame for the tree not to go to a good home after the end of term.

He said: “When you consider this tree has taken 15 years to reach this size it would be a shame not to give it a second home for the main Christmas period.

“The Norway spruce tree has to be kept outside, so the chances of needle drop is minimal so we are selling a quality cut tree.”

The auction ends on tonight at 8.25pm and the buyer would need to collect the tree themselves but help will be available on site.

It can be taken home from Saturday, December 20.

The tree is being auctioned online at ebay.eu/1vDFd1e