PEOPLE in Droitwich are being invited to a Lights of Love service, where they can remember a lost loved one in the lead up to the festive season.

The Lights of Love event is being organised by St Richard’s Hospice as part of a series of events around Worcestershire throughout November and December leading up to a main service at Worcester Cathedral.

Droitwich locals will be able to attend a service closer to home at the Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday, November 25, with a choir from Dodderhill School, and the St Richard’s Singers performing.

People who have lost someone, are also invited to dedicate a Christmas tree light on the St Richard’s Hospice Christmas Tree in St Andrew’s Spire to them.

St Richard’s Hospice senior community fundraiser Alison Parkes, said: “The lighting of the tree is a lovely event. Last year lights were dedicated to over 2,500 names and the tree looked magnificent. We have already had hundreds of names dedicated this year and donations of over £21,000 so far towards our hospice care.

"These services are deeply appreciated by the hundreds of people there - many of whom are the families and friends of people who are, or who have been, cared for by St Richard's. These community gatherings – where people are united by their shared experience of missing someone dear – bring great comfort and support, through lighting a candle and taking time to reflect.”

People attending the service are asked to arrive at the church by 5.30pm in advance of it starting at 6pm.

The names of loved ones will be displayed on boards surrounding the tree in St Andrew's Spire, Worcester and in a book of thanksgiving placed in Droitwich Library throughout December. Those who donate will also receive a special photo decoration for their Christmas tree at home.

Anyone wishing to make a dedication, should visit strichards.org.uk/lightsoflove or call the fundraising team on 01905 763963. If wished, the chosen names will also be printed in our sister paper the Worcester News on Wednesday, December 24.