DOROTHY House Hospice Care in Winsley is inviting local people to come to their ‘Services of Light’, part of their annual Light Up a Life Appeal, to remember loved ones at Christmas.

Six services will take place between November 30 and December 8 in Devizes, Warminster, Chippenham, Malmesbury, Trowbridge and Corsham. All events start at 6pm. Entry is open to all and no tickets are required.

The services are around one hour long and will feature Christmas carols, readings, an opportunity to remember loved ones and to light a candle in their memory.

These seasonal services of remembrance are part of the annual Dorothy House 'Light up a Life' Appeal which last year raised £68,000.

The funds help the hospice to provide palliative and end of life care, free of charge, to local communities in Bath and North-East Somerset, and parts of Wiltshire and Somerset.

It’s hoped the Appeal will raise more funds to help the Hospice this year.

Dorothy House Hospice Care, Community Fundraiser, Yvonne Brunton, said: “The Light up a Life Appeal and Services of Light are a very special time for families and friends to join together and remember a loved one.

"Many people gain great encouragement from attending the services and view it as the start of their Christmas.”

Dorothy House supporters Anthony and Gill Nash said: "The beautiful and thoughtful structure of music, carols and readings makes this an unmissable event. Being there makes you feel close to your lost loved one at this special time of the year."

Dorothy House Hospice Care, chief executive John Davies, said: ‘It’s always a privilege to attend the Dorothy House Services of Light.

"The services are a great opportunity for families to remember loved ones and reflect before the busy Christmas season begins.

“Since 1976, the hospice has cared for 45,000 patients and their families in the local community and this has been made possible by the generosity of many supporters and volunteers who have made Dorothy House the special place it is today.”

For more information about Dorothy House's Light Up a Life Appeal, Services of Light or to donate please visit https://www.dorothyhouse.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising/lual/ or call 01225 721480.

This year’s services are being held on:

Thursday, November 30

St Andrew’s Church, Long Street, Devizes, SN10 1NJ

The United Church, George Street, Warminster, BA12 8QA

Monday, December 4

St Paul’s, Malmesbury Road, Chippenham, SN15 1PS

Tuesday, December 5

Market Cross, Malmesbury – this is an outdoor service so please dress warmly.

Wednesday, December 6

St James’ Church, Church Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8RU

Friday, December 8

St Bartholomew’s Church, Church Square, Corsham, SN13 0BY