MORE than 100 people cheered and applauded as the St Richard's Hospice Christmas tree lights were switched on in Worcester last night.

County residents have dedicated a "light of love" on the 20ft tree, under St Andrew's Spire, Deansway, in memory of a loved one, the celebration of a birth, or for someone who will be absent this Christmas but is still in their thoughts.

Donations from the light dedications help cancer patients in the county.

Husband and wife, Carol and Roger Banks, of Ronkswood, Worcester, attended to remember Roger's father Albert, who died in 1982, and Carol's parents Betty, who died in 1996, and Harry Woodward, who died in July.

"We support this every year because both of my parents died from cancer," said Mrs Banks.

"They were both helped by St Richard's.

"It is very special to be here. It is sad but it is also lovely to see so many other people."

Lynne Matthews was there with her daughter, Alison Masters, to remember her parents, Raymond and Kathleen Pearce and Peter Mullins, a friend.

"I come her every year," said Mrs Matthews. "I have been involved in charity work for St Richard's Hospice for a number of years."

Shortly before the lights were switched on, there was a Service of Light at the nearby All Saints Church, followed by a candlelight procession to the spire where around 20 children from St Mary's Convent School, Battenhall, sung a hymn and a short prayer was read.