THE PROSPECT Hospice's Christmas tree was ablaze with light at the culmination of a record year for the annual Light a Life appeal.

Members of the public were asked to sponsor a light on the tree to celebrate the life of a loved one, raising vital funds for the Wroughton-based hospice.

And this was a record year for the event, now in its third year, raising a total of £6,407 lighting up the tree with more than 1,200 lights, beating last year's total of £5942.

The money will be used to provide care for people with life-limiting illnesses.

A crowd of about 500 people braved the icy chill to sing Christmas carols around the tree accompanied by the Wroughton Silver Band.

Swindon Choral Society and All Saints Lydiard Millicent School Choir gave performances.

And the visitors were also addressed by Prospect Hospice Chaplains the Reverend Laurence Moss, Greg Baker and Ros Wheble.

Hospice fundraiser Gillian Richardson said: "I am overwhelmed by the response.

"It is wonderful to know that there are so many good people who are willing to support the work of the hospice at this special time of year."