THORNBURY'S Community Composting Site has said goodbye to site operative Alan Vizard, who is leaving the position after six years.

Alan, who was instrumental in setting up the facility and was its first chairman, has been a champion of the scheme from the very beginning.

He said he had seen many changes over the years, particularly since the introduction of composting machinery and the expansion of the product range to include not just compost but also firewood, woodchip and even a plant and plant pot donation swap shop.

Very well known to the public and to site volunteers, Alan said: "I've really enjoyed working at the composting site and greatly appreciate the support of local residents and volunteers in helping to keep it safe and tidy. The team has been great.

"There's been around 10 of us over the years and we've got a lot of work done."

The operation won't be losing Alan altogether, as he plans to stay involved on a voluntary basis.

His successor as site operative will be planning consultant Sarah Martin, who has been involved with the site on a voluntary basis for the last 15 months.

Alan said: "Sarah will be a great asset to the site as she is highly qualified and knows the ropes already."

Sarah will be working hard to continue to raise local awareness of the site in the Thornbury area and demonstrate the value of the hard work put in by the volunteers.

"It's a great local resource and I want to build on its success," she said.

The composting team will once again be offering a Christmas tree chipping service on Saturday, January 5 (11am and 1pm) at the top of the Thornbury Leisure Centre car park.

Around eight million Christmas trees will be thrown away by the end of January and Sarah and Alan want to make sure that all local Christmas trees are recycled for compost rather than ending up on landfill sites.

Residents can bring along their trees (minus tinsel) for chipping for a donation of just £1 and can also take away a bag of woodchip for their gardens.