'We released 100 white balloons at the end of the ceremony, representing doves, which carried heartfelt notes to loved ones.'

A book of remembrance was also available for visitors to leave a more permanent message.

A FIRM of Crewe funeral directors has hosted its first Tree of Light remembrance service.

Crewe Funeral Services in Shavington held the service on Friday to help people remember loved ones who have passed away.

More than a 100 tributes and messages were hung from the Christmas tree.

Funeral director Rob Smith said: 'The service went extremely well. It proved to be a very fitting and moving evening for everyone involved and we are definitely intending to make it an annual event.

'We would like to say a big thank-you to everyone who came and to the Rev Sheila Mitchell of St Mark's Church for leading the service.'