MEMBERS of the public are being given the opportunity to remember loved ones at a special service taking place in Poole.

Forest Holme Hospice is hosting the Light Up A Life event at 6.30pm on Thursday, November 29 on the steps of the Civic Centre. The annual service is attended by many who were grateful for the care and support offered by the hospice, but guests do not need to have known a patient in order to attend, as the evening is open to all.

The service, which is a mixture of carols, readings, prayers and remembrance, will be led by Rev Fraser Smith, with The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Sean Gabriel in attendance, while The Salvation Army and Wessex Chorus community choir will provide music.

Charity manager Anne Currie said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for those who have lost someone special. Our remembrance service is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of those who are sadly no longer with us.

”The service is incredibly moving and it is always nice to see new families at the event alongside so many familiar faces.”

The event culminates with the switching on of the lights on the Christmas Tree, signalling the start of the hospice’s Light up a Life Campaign, which will then be followed by sherry and mince pies, courtesy of the Mayor of Poole.

Forest Holme Hospice, which will be marking its 25th anniversary next year, provides individually tailored and quality care to adults facing a life limiting illness to local people across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck.

For those who are unable to make the Light Up A Life event, the hospice charity will also have a Tree of Remembrance based within the Dolphin Shopping Centre’s Eco Hub from December 3 to 19, where people can dedicate a star to someone special.