THE popularity of Evesham's Tree of Light is increasing and members from the town's rotary club are hoping for a grand display this year in more ways than one.

This year's venture is launched in the Journal today (Thursday) and it is hoped that the tree, a 95ft Giant Redwood standing at Workman Bridge, will be adorned with 1,000 bulbs this Christmas, each signifying the remembrance of a loved one.

Last year, the tree, which can be seen from as far away as Hinton-on-the-Green and Wickhamford, carried 800 lights, and Katrina Davidson, of the Rotary Club, said it seems that Vale people have wanted to know for a long time when the lights would shine upon the town once more.

She said: "People have already started asking about it.

"In fact, we've been having inquiries as far back as February."

The story of the tree goes back to 1999. In its first year it helped to raise more than £6,000.

Katrina said: "Last year we raised about £7,000 and it would be nice if we could reach that target again this year, but obviously we want to raise as much money as we can for the charities concerned.

"We started it because we thought it would be a good way to raise money for local charities, but also to make it a focal point in the town over the Christmas period as it goes really well with the town's illuminations."

For the first two years, money was raised for Shopmobility and The Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust among other charities.

This year, proceeds will be split between more good causes from the Vale and beyond.

Set to benefit this year is The Vale Volunteer Centre, PAST (Parents of Addicts Support Team), Prince Henry's High School Language School, Leukeamia Research, The Noah's Ark Trust, The County Air Ambulance and St Richard's Hospice, as well as the club's charity fund.

Katrina said: "A bulb on the tree can be purchased for £5, although children can have a bulb for whatever they can afford.

"Each person then gets a card to say they've contributed to the cause, which I think people like to put on their mantelpiece."

As with previous years, the rotary club will also be hoping for local businesses to make donations.

If people wish to make their donations in person, they can visit a stand in the Riverside Shopping Centre, where in years past, rotarians have heard some of the stories behind the bulbs.

Katrina said: "People come up and talk to us about the person they're remembering and sometimes you hear some really moving stories.

"It helps us to remember that each bulb on the tree represents someone's life."

She added: "It's quite touching when people come up to you and tell you all about it."

It doesn't have to be a person either. For example, children may want to remember a pet.

The deadline for requests is December 2, and Evesham's mayor Mark Robinson, will throw the switch at the lighting ceremony on December 6 at 6.30pm, which will be greeted with music from the Celebration Reed and Brass Band.