CONCERNS due to the ongoing Covid situation have forced East Lancashire Hospice to cancel its annual Light Up A Life service due to be held at Blackburn Cathedral on Monday.

Instead the opportunity to remember loved ones will continue online - as it did in 2020.

In a statement the hospice said: "Unfortunately, our Light Up A Life service which was due to be held at Blackburn Cathedral on Monday has been cancelled.

"Throughout the pandemic, we have always put the safety of our patients, their families and our staff at the forefront of all our decision-making, carefully implementing the constantly changing government guidelines whilst facing the many challenges this brought to us.

"Recent announcements around the new Covid variant have once again made us re-evaluate our plans in terms of events, both in and outside the hospice.

"The decision we have reached has not been taken lightly and has been made in the very best interests of our patients, volunteers and staff to ensure we can keep our services open and accessible to those who need us.

"Please note that we will still be going ahead with our Light Up a Life at Home virtual video which will be available to view on our facebook page - facebook.com/EastLancashireHospice or our website - www.eastlancs hospice.org.uk on Monday at 7.30pm.

"We hope you can join us in the comfort of your own home in lighting a candle as we light the hospice tree in remembrance of our loved ones.

"If you would like to purchase a Light Up a Life at Home pack for £10, these are available on our website www.eastlancshospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life

"Alternatively, please call our fundraising team – 01254 287014.

"We would like to say a huge thank you for your patience and understanding at this time."