Take time to remember a loved one this Christmas.

Weldmar Hospicecare Trust’s annual Light up a Life services begin this week.

Services across Dorset will see Christmas trees lit up in memory of lost loved ones, with each light on the tree representing the life of a family member or friend.

The annual appeal enables families, friends and supporters of Weldmar to give donations in memory of a loved one.

The appeal raises vital funds for Weldmar’s work by encouraging people to dedicate a light on one of the trees in memory of those who have died.

The services – open to everyone - are a combination of readings and carols, supported by local community musicians and singers.

As well as being remembered through twinkling lights on Christmas trees, those for whom a donation is made will have their names recorded in the charity's book of remembrance.

Caroline Hamblett, Weldmar’s chief executive, said: “If you are missing someone this Christmas, our services offer a way to remember them in the most magical and moving way by lighting up the memory of their life.

“Your continued support enables us to be here to provide vital services to local people at the time when they need us most.”

Services will be held on:

Wednesday, November 30 - Castle Gardens - Sherborne - 6.30pm. Thursday, December 1 - Orchard Park Garden Centre - Gillingham - 6.30pm. Sunday, December 4 - Holme for Gardens - Wareham - 4pm. Tuesday, December 6 - Joseph Weld Hospice - Dorchester - 6.30pm. Sunday, December 11 - Hope Square, Brewers Quay - Weymouth - 4.30pm. Tuesday, December 13 - Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - 4.30pm. There will also be a prayer of remembrance during a parish carol service at St Michael’s Church, Lyme Regis, on Sunday, December 18, at 4pm. Weldmar Hospicecare Trust cares for patients with cancer and other progressive conditions, such as motor neurone disease, who require specialist help. The NHS contributes 32 per cent of the charity's costs, meaning it needs to raise more than £10,000 every day. For more information on the services and how to dedicate a light to your loved one, visit www.weld-hospice.org.uk/lightupalife or call 01305 261800.