A children's hospice has launched a campaign to help families make memories with their children who have short lives.

Worcester-based Acorns Children's Hospice has launched its Celebrate Your Star campaign, which aims to help families make memories with their children who have life-limiting conditions.

Staff nurse Joanna Hutton said: "Memory-making starts from the day we meet the family.

"It can be at the hospice, or in the home, and we will always make memories every day."

The campaign will offer a 'glittering' keepsake that people can dedicate to missed family members or friends.

Celebrate Your Star is asking supporters to make a donation towards the charity’s lifeline care for seriously ill children in return for a golden star which can be hung on festive trees or around the home to remember those who are no longer with us.

Ms Hutton said: "Christmas is meant to be the happiest time of the year.

"But obviously, for some families, it can also be the saddest time of year.

"But with items like our golden stars, they’re like that little trigger to remind them of a moment, or to be able to start a story, to tell someone about that loved one or a memory about them."

She added: "It can also enable them to share those memories with their wider family and friends.

"I think that Christmas is a time for being with your family, and being together and remembering those who are no longer with us.”

Parents are also receiving items that have been made by their children, such as paintings, arts and crafts.

Families who receive end-of-life care at Acorns are given a memory box, containing hand prints or foot prints, photographs, drawings or paintings, crafts, hand casts, fingerprints, and other items to remind the families of a child who has been cared for by the hospice.

As part of the appeal, Acorns is hosting special celebrations for anyone wishing to remember a loved one at Henry Sandon Hall in Worcester on Sunday, December 8.

Attendance is by booking only.

To dedicate and receive your star, or book to join one of the Celebrate Your Star events, visit acorns.org.uk/celebrate-your-star.