ARTIST Brian Barlow has found a unique way to light up his life in retirement.

He has boosted the Bolton Hospice Christmas charity campaign by creating signed, limited edition prints of a very special picture.

This painting depicts a tree in the grounds of Bolton Parish Church which is the focus of the Hospice's Light Up A Life campaign.

Local people donate a suggested £5 each to dedicate a light for a loved one at Christmas-time. And a card of Brian's lovely painting is given to them as a memento.

To help funds even more, Brian -- who retired recently from his studio in St Georges Craft Centre, Bolton after 17 years -- hopes that his £50 prints of the original painting will sell well to his many fans.

The original is in the Prayer and Reflection room at the Hospice, off Chorley New Road.

The Light Up A Life scheme was launched last year, and proved a popular festive gift.

It resulted in a large donation for the Hospice, which costs £1.3 million a year to run.

The lights will be switched on at a Parish Church ceremony on Wednesday, December 5, which is open to all. The lights will remain on the tree until Twelfth Night, January 6, 2002.

The scheme this year is supported by Bolton-based Warburtons, and has received help from Bolton Metro, the Bolton Evening News and the Parish Church.

Nomination forms are available from the Hospice on 01204-520040, fax 01204-381761. Or, you can fill in the form here and send it with your donation to the address given.

BOLTON HOSPICE LIGHT UP A LIFE 2001

Sponsored by Warburtons

NOMINATION FORM

Name ...

Address ...

...

Postcode ... Tel. No. ...

I would like to donate £... to "Light Up A Life"

Name of person(s) to whom your light is dedicated ...

...

Please make all cheques/postal orders payable to Bolton Hospice and return to: Bolton Hospice Campaign Office, Queens Park Street, Bolton BL1 4 QT.

(Bolton Hospice can also claim Tax Relief on your donation from Gift Aid, please indicate if you can help the Hospice further in this way by deleting yes or no... YES/NO)

If you would like to pay your donation by credit card, please ring the Hospice appeals' office on 01204-520040