A Poole hospice is launching its Light Up A Life campaign at an annual remembrance service at the Civic Centre.

Forest Holme Hospice will be offering residents the opportunity to dedicate a star on its Christmas tree in honour of someone special.

To mark the start of their 2014 campaign the charity is inviting residents to the service at Poole Civic Centre on Thursday, November 27.

Led by the Rev Fraser Smith, it will begin at 6.30pm and will include reflective readings and music from the Salvation Army and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.

The service will culminate with the official switching-on of the lights on the Christmas tree followed by sherry and mince pies.

“Christmas is a time when in the midst of happiness all around us, we can miss our loved ones the most,” said charity manager Anne Currie.

“Our remembrance service is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of those who are sadly no longer with us.

“We would like to thank Tapper Funeral Service for generously gifting us with a live performance by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the mayor’s office for kindly donating mince pies and sherry.

“The service will also be supported by the Salvation Army, which will make it a very special event at the start of the festive season.”

Last year around 100 people who had lost loved ones and were grateful for the care and support offered by the hospice, turned out on a bitterly cold night to launch Light Up A Life, raising more than £300 in the process.

Forest Holme Hospice Charity supports the hospice, part of Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, by providing £500,000 each year to fund specialist care for patients living with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses across Poole, Wimborne and Purbeck.