KEMP Hospice's popular Tree of Light, on which people can leave a message or memoriam to a loved one, has already raised £1,800 - and it only went live on Sunday.

The heart-warming festive fund-raising idea brings in money for the Kidderminster-based hospice, and was officially lit up in a ceremony at the Swan Centre, Kidderminster.

Along with its lights the tree was also bedecked in no fewer than 360 cards bearing "in-memoriam" messages and also notes to loved ones marking special occasions like an anniversary or a birth.

Alan Ierston, marketing manager at the hospice, said: "The tree is in its fifth year and it seems to have captured the imagination of local people. It is very popular."

In fact, it has proved so successful a Tree of Light is now to go ahead in Bewdley managed by the town's rotary club. The dedication ceremony for the tree, outside Bewdley Museum, will be held on Thursday, December 4, at 6.45pm.

The ceremony in Kidderminster on Sunday was given a festive feel with carols sung by the choir of St John's Middle School, Kidderminster.

There is still time for a message to be hung on the Kidderminster or Bewdley trees. The cost of a card is £5 and for more information contact Kemp Hospice on Kidderminster 865105. Altern-atively people can go along to the trees themselves.

Another fund-raising idea in the form of an auction of an array of large cuddly toys is under way at the hospice.

The toys have been donated by members of the public including nine year-old Charlotte Preece, of Birchfield Road, Kidderminster.

Mr Ierston said: "This proves that young people have a real awareness of what is going on around them. Charlotte's gesture is very much appreciated."

Bids are invited for the fluffy toys and bids should be made in writing to the hospice by December 6.