HERRIOT Hospice Homecare is once again inviting people across the district to pay tribute to lost loved ones over the festive season.

The hospice’s Light up a Life event returns in December offering people the chance to dedicate a light on the charity’s Christmas tree.

A special service will take place at St Mary’s Church, Thirsk, on December 15 at 4pm where the tree will be illuminated, along with carols, readings, refreshments and time to reflect.

Chief executive of Herriot Hospice Homecare, Tony Collins, said: “Remembering those who have died that we continue to love can be both comforting and painful, particularly at times of intense emotion such as Christmas; Light up a Life is a very personal event and is for people to participate in however they wish.

“Whether you laugh, cry, share or simply take a silent moment just to be yourself, the service is for you as an individual.”

Herriot’s first Light up a Life event took place in 2017, raising more than £1,400 to support families across 1,000 square miles of Hambleton and Richmondshire.