Poole’s three hospices are each holding Light Up A Life ceremonies to celebrate the lives of special people this Christmas.

Friend of Forest Holme are the first to urge people to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one, when their special tree is lit outside Poole’s Civic Centre on Wednesday, December 1, at 6.30pm.

The festive lights will be switched on by Poole Mayor, Cllr Chris Bulteel at a candlelit ceremony, there will be Christmas carols accompanied by the Salvation Army and prayers led by Canon Jane Lloyd.

After the ceremony there will be sherry and mince pies in the council chamber.

To attend the event contact the fundraising office on 01202 670644, and there will be an additional tree in the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

Julia's House is holding four ceremonies across the county featuring carols and readings and there will be a remembrance book containing all the dedications.

A child from the house will light up the festive tree and services will take place at Bournemouth Christmas Market in The Square at 6pm on Thursday, December 2, at St James’ Church in Poole at 6pm on Friday, December 3. Services will also be held at Portland and Poundbury.

Judith Charmer, community fundraiser for the children’s hospice, said: “These events are always beautiful and moving and we hope that lots of local people will come and remember their loved ones and this special time of year.”

Singing groups will be joining the services including Silhouette Opera, who will be at the Bournemouth event.

For a form to make a dedication go to juliashouse.org and for more information go to lightupalife.org.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Tree of Lights remembrance ceremony takes place at its grounds at Evening Hill, Lilliput on Friday, December 3 at 6.30pm with carols led by a choir, mince pies and mulled wine.

Tickets cost £4 and for a donation the names of those being honoured can be entered into a special book of remembrance.

For tickets call Maria on 01202 701000 or email maria@lewis-manning.co.uk.