ONLY a few tickets remain for a special memorial Christmas carol service to be held in Worcester for recently bereaved residents.

The Evening News reported last month that Worcester City Council is set to host a special For Those We Have Loved Christmas memorial service for people who have lost a loved one this year.

The council's parks and cemeteries area officer, Phil Burton, said he had received an overwhelming amount of interest in the event - the first of its kind to be hosted in the city.

"Christmas is an especially difficult time for those that have lost someone special over the previous year and the aim of the service is to bring together people who are still coping with recent bereavements," he added.

"It's a memorial to lost loved ones at a time when people find themselves reflecting on the past, and it represents an opportunity to celebrate their lives in the company of others all experiencing the same sentiments and emotions.

"Our aim is to commemorate and remember - and for people to feel that they're not alone at this most trying time of the year."

Three ministers will be officiating at the service, to be held at Worcester Crematorium Chapel on Friday, December 5, representing the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Baptist faiths.

A few free tickets remain and are available from the cemetery office on weekdays, between 9am and 4pm, or by calling 01905 22633.