LIGHTS will burn brightly across Worcestershire in memory of lost loved ones.

Throughout November and December, St Richard's Hospice will hold five Lights of Love events in the run-up to the festive season.

Lights of Love offers people the chance to dedicate a light to the memory of a loved one who is no longer with them.

The services will all follow a simple structure with readings, music and a time for quiet reflection.

The first event is an afternoon service at 2.30pm on Friday, November 11 at Worcester Cathedral, which will feature the King’s Hawford school choir. There will be a sign language interpreter at the service.

The main event takes place at Worcester Cathedral at 7pm that evening.

The RGS Worcester choir will sing at this service, which is usually attended by more than 1,000 people, many of who walk to the nearby St Richard’s Hospice Christmas tree at St Andrew’s Spire, where the dedicated Lights of Love will be switched on.

The names of the loved ones remembered this year are written on boards around the base of the spire.

Lights of Love services will also be held at Sacred Heart Church, in Droitwich, at 6pm on Tuesday, November 22, in Pershore Abbey at 2.15pm on Wednesday, November 30 and in Great Malvern Priory at 6pm on Tuesday, December 6.

Kristina Wagstaff and her family will be switching on the lights this year, in memory of her mum, Magdelena, who was cared for by St Richard's.

Ms Wagstaff said: "The team gave unbelievable kindness to my family.

"At our darkest moment, they took us in, and because of their compassion and care, my mum was able die in the most peaceful and dignified way possible.

"I cannot underestimate how important those final moments were to us.

"Lights of Love will give us the chance to come together and share our memories of mum and help to raise important funds for St Richard’s to help countless other families going through experiences like ours."

Alison Parkes, senior fundraiser at St Richard’s Hospice, said: “These services are deeply appreciated by the hundreds of people who attend, many of whom are the families and friends of people who are, or who have been, cared for by St Richard's.

"These community gatherings where people are united by their shared experience of missing someone dear bring great comfort and support, through lighting a candle and taking time to reflect.”

“Last year lights were dedicated to 2,891 people. We have already had hundreds of names dedicated this year and donations of over £18,000 so far towards our hospice care.”

Those attending the Cathedral services are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before they begin.

The names of loved ones will be displayed on boards surrounding the tree in St Andrew's Spire and in Books of Thanksgiving at Worcester Cathedral, Malvern Priory, Pershore Abbey and Droitwich Library throughout December.

They will also be printed in the Worcester News over the festive period.

Dedications can be made using the form printed here, by calling 01905 763963 or online at strichards.org.uk/lightsoflove.