PEOPLE across Bolton are being invited to remember loved ones at Christmas by lighting up the town with love.

Bolton Hospice is running the Light Up A Life appeal for the sixth year, and hopes to beat last year's figure of £20,000 towards the £2 million-plus it costs to keep its services running annually.

Anyone can dedicate a light on any of four Christmas trees for a donation - in memory of a relative who has died, for family who may be overseas or even for friends who will be missing this festive season.

Eight-year-old Chloe is one of the many local youngsters dedicating a light this year, for her Nana who died in the Hospice.

The little girl from Bolton always bought a Christmas gift for her much-loved grandmother.

This year she is putting a light on a tree in Victoria Square, where her Nana loved to sit, to help keep her memory alive.

The scheme has four trees: two on Victoria Square, donated by Bolton Council, the scheme's original tree at Bolton Parish Church and - for the first time - a tree for patients, families, staff and volunteers in the hospice grounds off Chorley New Road.

The switch-on for the lights will be performed at the parish church on Wednesday, December 14, at 7pm.

There will be a service accompanied by singing from local choirs. Every person who contributes to the scheme receives a specially-designed card, individually inscribed to keep as a memento.

Debra Graham, hospice fundraising director, said: "Light Up A Life is without doubt the most meaningful fundraising campaign that we undertake. I have met so many people over the years to whom it has meant so much.

I buy a light for my Nan, who was one of the first Hospice at Home patients seven years ago.

"Before Light Up A life, it was difficult to find a way to demonstrate that I was thinking of and missing my Nan."

The appeal is supported each year by local organisations including Warburtons, the Bolton Evening News and Bolton Council.

To arrange a light, contact the hospice fundraising department on 01204-663055 for a form, or, you can pay by credit card over the phone.

Alternatively, simply download the form from the website: www.boltonhospice.org