AROUND 200 people turned out to a special event in Poole to help launch a charity campaign to remember their loved ones.

Forest Holme Hospice's Light Up a Life service took place on Thursday, November 26 on the steps of the Civic Centre, which saw people light candles to reflect on those they now miss ahead of the Christmas period.

It was attended by people who have been helped and supported by the hospice or those who simply wanted to reflect on their relatives and friends who have died.

Anne Currie, Forest Holme Charity manager, said: "Christmas can be a difficult time for those who have lost someone special. Our remembrance service was an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of those who are sadly no longer with us.

"The service was incredibly moving and it was nice to see new families at the event alongside so many familiar faces.

"On behalf of Forest Holme Hospice Charity, I would like to thank the local community for their continued support of this appeal."

The special service was led by Reverend Fraser Smith, who works as a chaplain at Poole Hospital, on Longfleet Road, and was attended by Cllr Graham Wilson, who represents the Newtown ward and members of the Salvation Army.

Anne said that the main reading of the night was written by Matthew Orchard in memory of his father, who received care from the team at Forest Holme. After the reading, the lights of the Christmas tree outside the Civic Centre were switched on to signal the start of the hospice's Light Up a Life campaign.

Volunteers from the charity can be found at Sainsbury's, on Pitwines Close, where people can make a donation to the good cause in exchange for a star to be placed on the remembrance tree.

Forest Holme Hospice Charity has to raise £500,000 of voluntary donations each year to ensure that the hospice can continue to offer specialist end-of-life care to patients in Dorset with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.

For more information, go to Forestholmehospice.org.uk