A Tree of Light to celebrate the lives of loved ones will illuminate Priory Park again this Christmas.

A 100ft redwood tree behind Malvern Theatres will be decked with lights which people can sponsor as a tribute to someone special.

The Tree of Light appeal is being organised by Malvern Rotary Club, with the support of Malvern Hills District Council.

"The tree will be a symbol for local people to remember friends and family who are not with them this Christmas," said spokesman Sandy Gibson.

"Many will want to remember loved ones who have died, but equally a light can be sponsored for someone who simply can't be home for Christmas, like a soldier serving in Iraq, for example, or friends and family far away."

Lights sponsored by local people will raise money for three charities - St Richard's Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Relief and Rotary's own charity Polio Plus, which works to eradicate the disease worldwide.

The names of all those being remembered will be displayed at Malvern Theatres and MHDC's customer service centre at Malvern Library.

The lights will be switched on by Tom Wells, the leader of MHDC, at 6.30pm on December 2.

The Rotary Club's Tree of Light in the park last year raised £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

"We thought it would be nice to have another one this year," said Mr Gibson. "We feel local people appreciated the chance to celebrate the lives of those important to them, while raising money for worthwhile causes."

Anyone interested in sponsoring a light should complete the application form printed here or collect one from MHDC's customer service centre at the library on Graham Road.