THE Countess of Chester Hospital is inviting members of the public to dedicate a light to a loved one at the annual Trees of Light ceremony.

The event will also see their names being entered into a book of honour.

Memories and celebrations of loved ones will be lighting up the ceremony at the trust’s main entrance from 6pm on Friday, December 7.

Anyone who has lost a close friend or relative, whether or not they were patients at the hospital, is invited to take part in the event, as are people who would simply like to celebrate the life of a loved one.

There will also be a short lighting ceremony at Ellesmere Port Hospital on Monday, December 10, at 6pm.

The Fireflies – a ladies choir formed in 2009 – will be appearing at this year’s event, which will feature music, readings and hot mince pies. The Fireflies initially had just eight members when they formed and have grown to more than 40 members, appearing at many local events, including a BBC Cultural Olympiad performance.

In addition, the Countess of Chester Hospital’s new trust chairman, Sir Duncan Nichol CBE, will be the event’s guest of honour and will be switching the lights on.

The ceremony will be led by the trust’s chaplaincy co-ordinator, the Rev John Kingsley.

Fundraising manager Janet Ratcliffe said: “The Trees of Light is such a special appeal and gives people the chance to honour lost loved ones or to celebrate the life of a loved one.

“The fact that our event takes place near Christmas makes it an even more special occasion as it can be an emotional time for people.”