A CHILLY night was warmed by crowds of people who lit candles and sang in memory of those they have lost this year.

More than a hundred people attended the hospice’s Light up a Life event on Wednesday evening, which saw families and friends pay tribute to their loved ones.

The attendees gathered in the carpark outside the Queens Park Street building where they were addressed by Sheila Tonge, Bolton Hospice vice president.

She told the crowds: “You have all gathered here for a very special reason and that is to remember the lives of our family members and friends. Each of the lights here represents a good life lived.”

Members of staff from the hospice were joined in front of the crowds by singers from the Ephranta Church Choir at Victoria Hall.

The group led attendees in renditions of a number of hymns, ending on a rendition of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

Also in attendance was Rev John Hall, head the Bolton Hospice spiritual care and bereavement support.

Mr Hall addressed the people who had come to event, he said: “We are here to consider the importance of lights.

“Light is important to us all, especially as we approach the shortest day of the year.

“When it’s darker for longer life can feel hard, and be a struggle.”

Adding: “But life represents hope for the future.”

Those in attendance counted down from 10 before the lights across the trees in front of Bolton Hospice were turned on.

The event also featured a number of prayers from different religions read out by Bolton Inter-Faith Council’s Young Ambassadors.

It is the second of the hospice’s Light up a Life events, with the previous service held on Wednesday, December 5 at Bolton Parish Church.

To find out more, volunteer or make a donation to the hospice, visit: www.boltonhospice.org.uk.