THE Primrose hospices's annual Light of Love Appeal which featured a giant Christmas tree in Bromsgrove town centre, has been a resounding success by raising more than £13,600.

Staff at the Finstall-based cancer help centre this week expressed their gratitude to everyone involved, in particular the Advertiser/Messenger, electricians Ken Pheysey and Geoff Till, and Waldron's Transport.

Fundraising manager at the St Godwald's Road hospice, Jane Wardman, said: "We are over the moon with the result and delighted that we beat last year's total of £12,000.

She went on: "The success of this appeal is entirely due to the generous people of Bromsgrove and Redditch who once again have given their support and I hope that everyone who contributed in any way will accept our sincere thanks."

All of which means the Primrose Hospice faces a formidable challenge at Christmas 2002.