FAMILIES and friends are invited to remember loved ones this Christmas by decorating a tree in their memory.

Memorial trees have been put up in the Co-operative Funeralcare homes in Loughton High Road and Manford Way, Chigwell.

Members of the public are encouraged to decorate the trees with cards in memory of those close to them who have died.

If they wish, they can also leave a small donation to the Epping Forest branch of the Alzheimer's Society and Cancer Research UK.

Mike Jones, of the Loughton funeral home, said: "This is the ninth year we have offered a memorial tree in honour of those who have died, as it has always proved to be a great help for relatives and friends.

"We know that Christmas and New Year, in particular, is a time when people look back and remember those they've lost and we hope our memorial Christmas tree will again benefit the families concerned at this difficult time."

The funeral homes are both open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and people are invited to decorate the trees until December 24.