HUNDREDS gathered at Bolton Parish Church to light a candle in memory of their loved ones.

The Light Up a Life service was organised by Bolton Hospice to allow family and friends to say goodbye to those they have lost around Christmas time.

It was opened by a rendition of Hark the Herald Angels Sing, the first of a number of hymns for the night accompanied by the Bolton Music Service Brass Ensemble.

The service was presided over by the Reverend Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle, who spoke to the congregation before introducing Bolton Hospice CEO Leigh Vallance and chairman Judith Bromley.

The evening also involved touching renditions of several Christmas songs by students at St Peter & St Paul Primary School, in Pilkington Street.