LOVED ones were remembered at a special Christmas service in Bolton Parish Church yesterday evening.

Festive lights adorning a tree in the grounds of the church were switched on marking this year’s Bolton Hospice’s Light up a Life Appeal.

Each Christmas, in return for a donation to the charity, lights are placed on trees, either at the hospice or at Bolton Parish Church, with each bulb representing the life of someone who has died.

The moving fundraiser is a major source of income for the hospice, while also providing comfort for those who have lost family or friends.

Two services took place, inside and outside the church with the blessing of the lights.

Carols were sung by pupils of Mytham Primary School in Little Lever and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary in Farnworth to the music of Bolton Intermediate Brass Band.

Director of fundraising Debra Graham said: “The church was packed to capacity this year.

“It was an excellent service with singing by children and music by bands Light up a Life is an ideal opportunity for people to remember their loved ones at Christmas time. It was a memorable community event.

“In the eight years we have been organising this event we have raised £100,000. Last year we raised £29,000 and hope to raise more this year.”