GENEROUS townsfolk have already donated more than £6,500 to the Primrose Hospice Tree of Light Appeal, just two weeks since it was launched - £2,000 more than the total raised throughout the appeal in 2000.

The tree will be situated at the back entrance to Debenhams and the lights will be switched on in conjunction with the Kingfisher Centre lights on Thursday, November 18.

This is the eighth year the Primrose has teamed up with The Advertiser for the appeal and organisers are hoping residents will continue to give generously and help commemorate a loved one in the process.

Everyone who donates to the appeal can have a light in memory of a loved one and the names will be displayed around the base of the tree. There will also be a remembrance book in St Stephen's Church.

Primrose community fundraiser Lyn Winters said: "To have reached the £6,500 at this early stage is a fantastic achievement and we're delighted.

"It goes to show how generous the people in Redditch really are and how much they want to commemorate their loved ones.

"We hope lots more people will continue to donate and remember a loved one at this special time of the year."

The Tree of Light appeal raised £12,500 in 2001, £13,500 and £16,500 last year.