Dedicate a light of love

Lights of Love will be seen in all their glory when the St Richard's Hospice Christmas tree lights are switched on in December.

Readers are invited to take part in this special event which will take place in Victoria Square on Thursday, December 1 at 5.30pm. It will include a dedication by the vicar of St Augustine's Church and the mayor's chaplain, Father Doug Chaplain, and music by the Salvation Army together with singing pupils of Whitford Hall and Dodderhill School.

The Mayor of Droitwich, councillor Richard Morris, will then switch on the lights.

Spa folk are now invited to dedicate a light of love - whether in memory of a loved one, celebration of a birth or for someone who will be absent this Christmas but still be in your thoughts.

For a donation of your choice, a light will shine on the St Richard's Hospice Christmas tree throughout the festive month.

Each chosen name will also be displayed in a book of thanksgiving in Droitwich library.

Rob Waugh, senior chaplain at St Richard's, said: "The dedication of lights on a Christmas tree is a nationwide hospice initiative which is very well supported by our local communities.

"We hope this will be an uplifting evening for everyone who comes along. It will be an opportunity to help focus on life and those we love and care about."

St Richard's is currently based at Rose Hill in Worcester, and offers free services including a day hospice, home care team, counselling service and an advice line. The charity has around 67 staff and more than 600 volunteers.