LIGHTS will be shining in Bolton to remember loved ones this Christmas.

Families are uniting for two poignant services as part of the Bolton Hospice Light up a Life appeal.

The special event is held for people to get together and remember loved ones during the festive period.

People taking part in the appeal can write a personal dedication message and upload an image in memory of someone who has died to the hospice's Light up a Life online 'night sky'.

Andrea Martin is dedicating a light to her dad, Andy who died aged 72 from prostate cancer in 2014 after being cared for at the hospice.

She said: "We took part in the Light up a Life service at the hospice in December and found it very moving.

"It was a lovely service at a special time of year and the emotion felt when the candles were lit was palpable. I still light the candle at home every Christmas."

Remembrance services will take place at Bolton Parish Church on December 6, from 7pm, and at Bolton Hospice on December 13, from 6.30pm.

Bolton Catholic Music & Choral Society (BCMCS) will be performing at Chorley New Road.

A BCMCS spokesman said: "It is a particularly moving and poignant event and our involvement in the past has made it extra special and memorable to those who attend, including ourselves."

The services are open to everyone who has dedicated a light and donated to the appeal.

It costs more then £10,000 for the charity to provide care at the hospice and in the community on Christmas Day and the appeal is an important way to raise those funds.

Nurse Lata Chauhan, who has worked at the hospice for its full 25 years, said: "For me Christmas is like any other day – I come into work and do everything I can to ensure my patients and their families are provided with the very best care and support.

"Christmas at the hospice is full of happiness, warmth and laughter. The most important thing for the families we care for at the hospice is being able to enjoy spending precious time together and making memories that will last a lifetime."

Donors will receive a commemorative card dedicated to a loved one and their name will be added to the Book of Remembrance at the hospice.

To join the appeal, and dedicate a light visit www.boltonhospice.org.uk or call 01204 663065.