The Express put out a call to businesses asking them to donate for the relay this Saturday and Sunday with all proceeds to be donated to the Express’ fundraising efforts.

The Armidale Plaza stepped forward and donated some very special items for the charity auctions - nine seven foot Christmas trees.

The festive flora will be there for the taking at the Relay For Life auctions at the Armidale Sportsground on Douglas St.

Three trees will be sold at three separate auctions throughout the day.

Judy Brown from Armidale Plaza Centre Management said the plaza’s Christmas trees and decorations were being upgraded and the stunning trees that formerly beautified the plaza should not go to waste.

The nine trees and their adornments had only been used once before and are worth $300 new.

“They’re really nice Christmas trees, they come fully decorated and they can raise money for charity,” she said.

Armidale residents are welcome to participate in the auctions on Saturday for their chance to win one of the Christmas trees ready for the silly season on its merry way.

The Relay For Life official opening starts at 10am at the Armidale Sportsground on Saturday.