You can remember a loved one this festive season by sponsoring a light on the Tree of Lights, organised by the Boscombe and Southbourne Rotary Club.

The Tree of Lights will be erected just outside the atrium at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital at the end of November, when the lights will go on sale. All proceeds made from the £5 to sponsor a light will be split between the Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s Jigsaw Appeal for Women and the Boscombe and Southbourne Rotary Club’s chosen charities.

Each day until the end of visiting hours from 5-19 December, you will be able to buy a light from the team of Rotarians, Inner Wheel ladies and hospital volunteers who will be in the atrium of the hospital or the Jigsaw Appeal office.

A member of the Boscombe and Southbourne Rotary Club, said: “Christmas is a time to remember loved ones who are unwell or no longer with us and twinkling lights on a tree offer families a great opportunity to do so. But anyone can have a light, even if it is simply supporting the great causes.”

Anyone who buys a light will have their names recorded in the book of remembrance, which is kept in the hospital’s chapel.

The lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Chris Rochester, at the carol service at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital at 6.30pm on Monday 19th December.

Traditional carols will be sung, supported by the Boscombe Salvation Army Band and St Mary's Longfleet Choir. There will be two readings as part of the service, and warm mulled wine and mince pies served after the service. For more information please contact the Jigsaw fundraising office on 01202 704060.

Based on information supplied by .