IT was a poignant moment when hundreds of people young and old gathered at the seafront to remember those they had loved and lost.

Lighting up the promenade with battery-operated candles, residents came together for the third annual event, organised by Bournemouth Hospital Charity and Macmillan Caring Locally, to pay tribute to those who have passed away.

Pam and Pete Harris, of Mudeford, were at Light up the Prom to pay tribute to their son, Sean, who died in July from a heart attack aged 49. They also remembered Pam's mum and dad whom she lost to cancer. They were later joined by more members of their family.

Carole Wall attended with her daughter Eloise, who was accompanied by her friend Joanna Goodlake, and Joanna's dad Adam.

Young Eloise lost her father Michael in 2014, and Joanna lost her mum Jan in March 2016. The two became friends through Macmillan Caring Locally and have interacted socially since.

Neal Williams, trust secretary for Macmillan Caring Locally, said: "It is the third event we have done down here. It's proving important for people to come down here and raise a candle for their loved ones.

"The special thing is about being out here and having some time to remember somebody with everybody else in a very special place like Bournemouth pier."

This year's winner of the auction to have the name of a loved one in lights on the pier was Denise Hewlett.

The 53-year-old from Ringwood nominated her mother's name Helen to be displayed on Friday night as the fireworks dazzled the onlookers.

"She passed away in January 2015," Mrs Hewlett said. "She suffered from a severe lung condition."

Before she died, Helen Hewlett inspired her daughter to install fans and respiratory machines at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in a bid to help improve recovery rates from respiratory diseases.

The Breathe Bright Rest Easy campaign was launched in her legacy.

Mrs Hewlett added: "We have developed a website raising almost £6,000. My mum suggested I do something using my skills in finding funds and, working with the fantastic staff at Bournemouth hospital, we continually promote awareness of these conditions."

Speaking of the event which she attended with her husband Danny Byrne, she added: "This is a wonderful event that brings people together to remember their loved ones."