RESIDENTS keen to support the Spa's Tree of Light appeal need to act quickly if they want loved ones to be officially recognised before Christmas Day.

Dozens of families have already honoured a relative or friend, who will not be here to enjoy the festive season, by sponsoring a light on the Cedar tree, in Victoria Square.

The innovative charity venture is being led by the Rotary Club of Droitwich Spa Saltway, in aid of St Richard's Hospice, of Worcester.

Rotarians launched the scheme in Droitwich last year and collected £1,300 -- a figure they are expecting to exceed in 2002.

The names of loved ones feature on printed sheets, which are updated each week, and are put on show in the town library, opposite the tree.

To take part simply fill in the pledge form and return it by Friday January 4 2002.

They are also available from the Advertiser's High Street office and Droitwich Post Office, St Richard's Hospice Shop and Lloyd's TSB, in Victoria Square, where the donations and forms have to be returned.

The festive tree will twinkle brightly until January 5 2002.