THE Hospiscare Light Up a Life service takes place at Fairplace Church later this month.

The service, formerly known as the Tree of Light, will be held on Friday November 28 at 7pm and will include a mixture of carols and readings.

'We know that at this time of year, many people's thoughts turn to those no longer with us,' said Louise Beeken from Hospiscare. 'In recent years Hospiscare has devoted itself to helping people honour the memories of departed friends and family with a series of uplifting services of remembrance.

'We welcome people to attend any service they wish and as part of this people can honour someone who has died by dedicating a light on the Hospiscare Christmas tree and placing a dedication in our Book of Memories. Dedications and donations can be made by phone or post.

'The book can be viewed during the Okehampton service and at the cathedral. A light will then shine on our Christmas tree in Cathedral Green, Exeter, from early December.

'The lights will be lit every evening at dusk until twelfth night. You can remember anyone you wish, they do not have to have been cared for by our nurses to be remembered in this way.'

Hospiscare is a local charity which, every year, helps 2,000 people and their families living with a terminal illness in Exeter, East and North Dartmoor.

Last year Hospiscare nurses visited 133 people in homes in the Okehampton area and 16 people were admitted to the Hospiscare hospice in Exeter.

It costs Hospiscare £5-millon every year to provide free of charge care to local people, with just over £1.1-million coming from the NHS and the remaining funded through legacies grants, Hospiscare's 19 shops and retail services as well as significant community fundraising.

l To make a donation and dedicate a name to a light, you can visit any Hospiscare shop including the Okehampton branch, you can call the fundraising team on 01392 688020 or you can make an online donation at http://www.hospiscare.co.uk">www.hospiscare.co.uk. Entries for the Book of Memories close on Monday November 24.