IT was a great privilege to me to receive an invitation to attend the Diwali celebration sponsored by Bolton Metro in the Town Hall last Monday.

It is good to see the town officially celebrating the religious festivals of all its peoples.

Diwali, like the Christian Christmas, is a celebration of light. There is so much darkness in our world, that finding light and hope is no easy thing. It is good that our religious traditions remind us that no matter how dark life becomes, there is always the possibility of finding light if we have the courage.

It is better to light one small candle than to sit and grumble about the darkness.

Finding light can seem impossible at times. We often need the help and support of others to find it. For example, in Bolton we are lucky to have Bolton Hospice through which so many of us find hope.

The Hospice itself is a beacon of light. The staff and the volunteers are beacons of light. And it is good to find out, as I did recently, that the chaplaincy team there now includes Hindu and Moslem volunteer chaplains. That, in itself, is a symbol of light. In facing serious illness and death we need help if we are to find a light for our path.

In this season of Diwali, Eid and Christmas it will be a delight for us at Bolton Parish Church to have one of the trees in the churchyard hung with thousands of lights for the Hospice "Light up a Life Appeal". Last year the tree was a great success. Shining in the churchyard it became a sign of hope to many.

The campaign also raised over £10,000 for the hospice.

If you would like to dedicate a light on the tree this year then you can do so through the Hospice Campaign Office on 01204 520040. The Mayor of Bolton will be switching on the lights on Wednesday, December 5, at 7pm, and all are welcome to attend.

For us at the Parish Church the theme of light will also include a candlelight service in aid of the Bolton Busting Breast Cancer Appeal. This will be on Saturday, December 1, at 7pm. Again, people of all faiths and none are welcome to attend this event.

As the season of light continues perhaps we should all ask ourselves whether our lives could become symbols of light and hope to others.

Michael Williams, Vicar of Bolton Parish Church.