A BIG-HEARTED plant centre is hoping to spread some Christmas cheers after donating a number of trees to local primary schools.

Olivers Plants, which is based off Coggeshall Road in Earls Colne, hope to make this year's festivities extra special for pupils.

Owned by the business's namesake, Oliver Wass, the centre offers a wide range of plants, trees and other gardening essentials.

But, with summer firmly behind us and winter all but here, the centre has donated some of its stock of large Christmas Tress to 14 nearby schools.

The schools, which are located in Braintree, Colchester, Halstead and the surrounding villages, have all received a festive tree which they will be able to display in their schools over the holidays.

The tallest tree was a whopping nine feet tall and the schools were thrilled to receive them.

Owner, Oliver Wass“ said: "At Olivers we are one of the largest local suppliers with a large variety of Christmas Trees and we are really happy to offer the local schools this gift from us.

"It’s great to be able to support the community at the end of another difficult year.

Schools included Holy Trinity, Richard De Clare and St Andrews Primary schools in Halstead, John Ray infant school in Braintree as well as others in Kelvedon, Bocking, Great Tey, Cressing, Coggeshall, Colne Engaine, Notley Green and Pebmarsh.

The plant centre is also inviting families to visit its festive maze which will close for the last time this Sunday.

The maze is made up on hundreds of Christmas Trees which form the hedge rows.

A festive market is also being run by the plant centre until December 19 with Essex-based businesses selling their wares.

Businesses range from artisan candle makers , to high-quality wines sellers, home furnishers, cake bakers as well as a mobile drinks bar.

Mr Wass added: “We are also looking forwards to seeing many of the pupils have fun in our maze made from Christmas trees over the next week, the smiles on their faces makes the hard work of erecting it all worthwhile”

"We are absolutely loving the Christmas spirit that our staff and customers are entering into this year.”