LOVE shone a light in Bromsgrove when sco-res of townspeople turned out to see a charity Christmas tree illuminated on Sunday afternoon.

Bromsgrove District Council chairman Cllr Mike Gill (Con, Woodvale) officially switched on the lights of the Primrose Hospice Christmas tree, which is part of the Lights of Love appeal.

Bromsgrove Operatic Society soloist Jenny Walker then wowed the crowds with a performance of Away in a Manger.

For the sixth year running, the Bromsgrove Advertiser-/Messenger has teamed up with the Finstall-based Pri-mrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre for the Lights of Love appeal.

Everyone who donates to the Lights of Love campaign can have a light in memory of a friend or relative on the Christmas tree, in Mill Lane.

Names of loved ones and donors will be printed around the base and will be on display at Bromsgrove Methodist Church, in School Drive, from December 1 until January 5 2002.

Primrose fundra-ising manager Jane Wardman said: "In less than two weeks, we have received more than £4,000 and we would love to beat last year's total of £12,000."

If you would like to help the hospice, and remember a loved one, fill in the form which is in this week's edition of your Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger..