THE glow of early Christmas goodwill lit up Bolton Parish Church this week to launch a charity campaign.

Youngsters from Bolton Parish Church School joined organisers from Bolton Hospice for the start of this year's Light Up A Life appeal.

The appeal was first held last Christmas. It was a great success and raised more than £10,500 for the Hospice off Chorley New Road, which costs £1.3 million a year to run.

The scheme involves decorating a huge Christmas tree in the Parish Church grounds with hundreds of individual lights. Each light represents a personal dedication, in memory of a loved one or as a gift for a friend or relative.

Each dedication is made for a suggested donation of at least £5. This includes a commemorative card by local artist Brian Barlow. The name of the person is also written in the Book of Dedication at Bolton Hospice.

The Light Up A Life appeal begins on Wednesday, December 5 when the Vicar of Bolton, the Rev Michael Williams, hosts a dedication service at Bolton Parish Church at 7pm to which everyone is invited.

Light Up A Life runs until Twelfth Night, January 6, 2002, and is supported by Bolton-based bakers Warburtons. The appeal has also received help from Bolton Metro, Bolton Evening News and the Parish Church.

To Hospice staff, the appeal is "one of the most meaningful events in our calendar," explained Debra Graham, Director of Fundraising.

"It is a celebration of life, bringing together people from all sections of the community in an emotional and joyful occasion."