PEOPLE are being asked to make a poignant tribute to their loved ones and raise money for a local charity at the same time.

East Lancashire Hospice has launched its Light Up A Life appeal and hope it will be their most successful yet.

Head of fundraising Stuart Andrew said: "The idea is simple. For a donation to the hospice you can dedicate a light on the Christmas tree in Blackburn Cathedral to a loved one, a friend, someone you wish to remember, someone who has moved away or simple to say thank you to someone."

The appeal, which has been running for the past three Christmases has raised more than £22,000 for the hospice which cares for patients in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley. The appeal ends with a special service in the cathedral on Tuesday, December 16, when the lights are switched on.