FAMILIES will gather in a town centre next week to remember lost friends and give hospice funds a boost.

Loughton Town Council is working in partnership with St Clare Hospice to back its Light up a Life campaign.

The annual ceremony will take place at Kings Green on Saturday December 1 and residents are invited to meet at Loughton Methodist Church, in the High Road, at 4.30pm.

A torchlit procession will leave at 4.45pm, making its way to the war memorial, where a short tree-lighting ceremony will take place.

Town clerk Enid Walsh said: "There will be an opportunity to sing some favourite carols and, following the short service, hot drinks and mince pies will be served back at the methodist church." 

  • More information on how to dedicate a light can be found at www.stclarehospice.org.uk/light-up-a-life.html or by calling 01279 773750, but it is not necessary to sponsor a light to join the ceremony.