BRIGHT sparks have already joined our appeal to light up Bromsgrove in memory of loved ones.

The first donations have rolled in to the Lights of Love Appeal, and each one will help illuminate a Christmas tree in the town centre.

Organisers hope the appeal, supported for the fifth year running by the Advertiser/Messenger, will raise more than £10,000 for the Finstall-based Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre.

The hospice, in St Godwald's Road, provides care and support for cancer patients, their families and carers.

Everyone who donates to the appeal can have one of 3,000 lights on the tree in memory of a friend or relative.

The names of donors and loved ones will be printed along the tree's base and kept in a book of remembrance at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, in Stratford Road.

Hospice patron Viscount Cobham has donated the Norwegian spruce which will stand in the Mill Lane precinct from Sunday November 19 .

The illuminations will be switched on by Bromsgrove District Council chairman Cllr Ann Doyle on Saturday November 25 and there will be a carol service to celebrate. There will also be a fundraising Last Night of the Proms concert at the Spadesbourne Suite, Burcot Lane, featuring the Primrose Choir and West Midlands Light Orchestra.

The lights will shine in the town centre until Twelfth Night.

Hospice special events co-ordinator Des Blee said: "Donations are already coming in and we want this year to be bigger and better than ever before."

If you would like to help the hospice fill in the special form in our paper.

For more information, contact Des on (01527) 875444.