THOUSANDS of people are expected to attend two Tree of Lights services at Manchester Cathedral, to support the hospice movement.

The services on December 15, at 2pm and 5pm will be the city's largest remembrance service organised by St Ann's Hospice.

Across the UK, 220 independent hospices will also be holding services to remember loved ones at Christmas.

Last year around £3 million was raised for local hospices across the country. St Ann's Hospice is inviting people to make a donation to support its vital work caring for more than 3,000 people across Greater Manchester. The names of people's loved ones will be placed in a Book of Honour, which will be on display in the Cathedral.

Anyone wanting to remember a loved one in the Book of Honour should contact St Ann's Hospice on 0161 498 3631 by Friday, December 6. A donation of any amount can be made. Last year's Tree of Lights raised more than £29,000 for St Ann's Hospice, which is the largest adult hospice in the UK with 66 beds.