A Stourbridge hospice has made a heartfelt appeal urging borough folk to join in with their light up a life campaign during the festive season.

Mary Stevens Hospice, based on the Hagley Road, is holding a special Christmas service at the hospice on Sunday December 3 giving people the chance to remember their loved ones or friends who have passed on.

They are encouraging people to sponsor a light - which will be hung on the hospice tree - in memory of a special friend or a loved one.

The popular event has raked in thousands of pounds in the past and this year hospice bosses are hoping it will be bigger than ever.

Gerald Wood, Mary Stevens Hospice trustee board member, said this is the ninth light up a life campaign and hopes it will be a roaring success.

He said: "It has been a triumph in the past, it gives people the opportunity to think of their loved one and friend and at the same time help the hospice.

"We are asking people to put a little verse in with the card and some will be read at the special ceremony when the lights are switched on."

The ceremony kicks off at 4.30pm and a service will be held by hospice chaplain, Rev Charlie Radburn, followed by a carol service performed by St Joseph's School RC in Norton, and music will be played by Halesowen Brass Band.

Gerald added: "This is an opportunity to remember a special person and their light will shine from December 3 to the twelfth night."

The hospice is currently facing its biggest ever cash crisis and desperately needs to rake in a £200,000 shortfall to stay open - and to top up the £2m required to run it each year.