LOST loved ones were remembered in a special yuletide tribute as the Tree of Lights was switched on at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital last night.

Organised by the Boscombe and Southbourne Rotary Club, the event saw the mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Rod Cooper, switch on the Christmas tree which was illuminated with hundreds of tiny lights, just outside the atrium of the main hospital.

The evening dedication service included the singing of traditional carols supported by the Boscombe Salvation Army Band followed by warm, mulled wine and mince pies.

Anyone who wants to remember a loved one over the festive season is welcome to sponsor a light on the tree for £5 throughout December.

Before the service, Brian Smith, chairman of the Boscombe and Southbourne Rotary Club, said: “We are all looking forward to working with Bournemouth Hospital Charity for this milestone year and hope that the Tree of Lights service will be a memorable one.”

All proceeds will be split between the hospital’s Jigsaw Building Project and the Boscombe and Southbourne Rotary Club’s chosen charities.

This is the 15th year the rotary club has organised the Tree of Lights which has raised tens of thousands of pounds over the years for local charities. Everyone who has bought a light will have their names recorded in the book of remembrance, which is kept in the hospital’s chapel.