CHRISTMAS tree lights took on a new meaning for six-year-old Kieran Lewis-Ward when he switched them on at a special service of lights held in Blackburn Cathedral.

The brave boy, whose 10-year-old brother Rhys was unable to attend the service, performed the switch-on of the tree lights at the East Lancashire Hospice's Light up a Life service in memory of his mother, Sam, who died of cancer in March.

Sam had been a regular visitor to the Blackburn hospice and staff had got to know her, and her family well.

So much so, when nurses were asked to choose someone to switch on the lights, they immediately thought of her sons.

Kieran's grandfather, Charles Carus, and his wife Rosamund, said the service was an emotional one, but that it was particularly poignant for the family because Kieran did not talk openly about his mother's death.

"It has been rough for all of us," he said. "Kieran doesn't really say much about it. He has started drawing pictures of her in her grave."

Janet Alston, clinical leader at the hospice, said: "The service is a time of reflection for loved ones and a child signifies our hope for the future. Sam visited lots of departments."

The boys are now cared for by their aunt in Darwen.

Kieran lit a candle for his mother. His brother Rhys was in his school nativity play and unable to join him.