WESTON Hospicecare has launched its 'Light Up a Life appeal' and is urging people to sponsor a lantern this Christmas.

The charity wants to gain sponsorship and donations to help provide care for families facing difficult times during this Christmas period.

The hospice will be hosting a service at St Paul's Church in Weston-super-Mare on December 12 as well as running the lantern appeal.

People can support the appeal by sponsoring a lantern, making a dedication in the Book of Remembrance or making a donation to help the hospice be there for patients and their families both for Christmas and beyond.

Lanterns that are sponsored will be displayed at the church at the service and businesses are encouraged to support the appeal by sponsoring a candle or a candlelit table lantern.

The lights will each represent a loved one shining bright and will be labelled with each person’s name so sponsors can dedicate their lantern to their nearest and dearest and pay their respects.

Event fundraiser, Kelsey Dehaney said that she was excited for the event: "We display all of the dedication lanterns when we do our evening of carols and remembrance in St Paul’s Church, which looks beautiful.

"We also have the special book of remembrance dedications on display in the hospice chapel between November 16 and January 4 2016."

Weston Hospicecare Director of Patient Services John Bailey said: "Light Up a Life is a very special event for our families – it’s a time of reflection and celebration that offers them a unique way to remember the life of a loved one and to join with hundreds of others who want to share a special message for someone they love."

Forms to make a dedication in the Book of Remembrance need to be submitted by December 18 and the service starts at 7pm .

Weston Hospicecare provides palliative care for people living with a life-limiting illness in Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding areas as far afield as Highbridge, Burnham on Sea, Cheddar, Wedmore, Draycott, Yatton, Congresbury and Clevedon.

To find out more about how to make a dedication, light a lantern or donate to the Light Up a Life appeal call 01934 423960 or visit westonlightupalife.org.uk.