Severn Hospice’s Lights of Love fundraiser is now officially under way.

Each year the charity asks local people to remember friends and family who are not here to celebrate the festive period by sponsoring a light on the Severn Hospice Christmas tree.

People can dedicate a light to someone special on the hospice’s website, where all the messages of remembrance will be displayed on a virtual tree.

Money raised from the donations will go towards providing care and support to people across Shropshire and Mid Wales who are living with incurable illnesses.

A carol service is set to take place on December 4 near to Severn Hospice Shrewsbury as part of the fundraiser, which will see the official lighting of the charity’s Christmas tree.

Hospice supporters are set to receive information about Lights of Love through the post later this week, including an invitation to attend the service.

Norma Ross, Appeals Director, said: “Lights of Love is a very special event for everyone at the hospice and we are always touched by the lovely messages we receive when people sponsor a light on our tree.

“Christmas is a time traditionally spent with those closest to us and so it is important for people to be able to take a moment to remember someone special who is not here to celebrate with us.

“Our carol service and Christmas tree provide local people with the opportunity to pay tribute to a loved one while helping to make a real difference to those who will rely on Severn Hospice during the festive season.”

People who would like to sponsor a light or who want more information about Lights of Love can visit www.severnhospice.org.uk or call the appeals department on 01743 354450.