THE Tree of Light in Evesham is sure to sparkle brighter than ever this Christmas with nearly 1,500 new bulbs ready to shine in memory of loved ones.

Evesham Rotary hopes to break records again this year and raise £15,000 from the 1,440 new lights to benefit four local charities.

Town mayor Pat Clifford will be invited to perform the switch-on at a ceremony in Workman Gardens on December 4, when the Celebration Reed and Brass Band will lead the entertainment.

Last year just under 1,000 lights glowed on the 95ft Giant Redwood tree on Workman Bridge in memory of loved ones from around the Vale and beyond and raised £11,000 for local charities.

This year four local charities have been chosen - Age Concern Evesham's day centre in Church Lane, Evesham College's acquired brain injury unit, the Acorns Children's Hospice Trust's Three Counties Appeal and the Macmillan cancer charity in Worcester.

Peter Davidson, chairman of Rotary's community service committee, said: "We tried to find local charities which would provide services for the local population."

The tree, which can be seen from as far as Hinton-on-the-Green and Wickhamford, has become a familiar site over the Christmas period since it started in 1999.

This year the Rotary has replaced the lights and next year a new 110-volt supply transformer will power the bulbs.

Forms will be printed in the Journal and Rotary is also planning to make the forms available in local supermarkets. They can currently be dropped in at James Osbourne, Optometrist, 1 Swan Lane, Evesham, or Tony Goodman, Post Office and Stores, Cheltenham Road, Evesham. Deadline is December 1.