THE campaign to make Bromsgrove sparkle over the festive season has proved to be a tree-mendous success -- beating last year's total.

Donations of more than £12,000 have rolled in for the annual Lights of Love campaign which is still making a Christmas tree sparkle in the town centre and raising money for the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre.

It is the fifth year running your No.1 community newspaper, the Advertiser/Messenger, has supported the appeal and this year we have done better than ever.

Last year we collected a total of £10,000.

The money is used to assist the St Godwald's Road-based centre which provides care and support for cancer patients, their family and friends.

Everyone who donated to the appeal had one of 3,000 lights lit up in memory of friends and family.

The names of donors and loved ones are printed on boards around the tree's base and are also being kept in a book of remembrance at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, in Stratford Road.

Hospice patron Viscount Cobham donated the Norwegian spruce, which is in Mill Lane.

The lights will shine until Twelfth Night.

Primrose special events co-ordinator Des Blee said: "It is beyond our wildest dreams that we have raised more than £12,000 in total and once again the response from the people of Bromsgrove has been overwhelming.

"They have helped to beat last year's total.

"It's vital that we continue to raise money for patient care and to support their families.

"Each year it becomes even more vital."

If you would like to see the name of your loved one, drop into the Methodist centre and view the fully updated book of remembrance.