THE night sky was lit up on Sunday as people remembered and celebrated loved ones they have lost.

The annual St Michael's Hospice Light up a Life service was held in the grounds of the facility in Aldermaston Road with hundreds of people coming along.

A beam of light shone into the sky throughout, providing a centrepiece for family and friends to remember their loved ones, while in the lead up to the service, hundreds of people dedicated a star in memory of a loved one, with a wall of stars displayed on the night.

The event began with the hospice’s first ever Christmas light switch-on with a 10ft tree donated by Asset Advantage Limited.

The service featured prayers from Reverend Tom Honey, chaplain of St. Michael’s Hospice along with an address from The Right Reverend David Williams, Bishop of Basingstoke.

The service also featured carols from Ooh Mama Ladies Choir and the Basing Singers as well as music from the Basingstoke Silver Band.

Laura Hughes, events manager for St. Michael’s Hospice said: “Our Light up a Life service is a very special event for both our supporters and staff. It was wonderful to see so many families at our hospice sharing warm memories of their loved ones.

"Although there are many poignant moments in the service, it is also a time for celebration with beautiful carols and our first ever hospice Christmas tree lights switch-on which brought much excitement, especially from the young children.

"We are extremely grateful to all our supporters who joined us on the night and to those who dedicated a star to our sky.

"This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of the local community including our wonderful volunteers, De La Rue Charitable Trust, Apollo Hotel Basingstoke, Ooh Mama Ladies Choir, Basingstoke Silver Band and Tesco Chineham and Tesco Hook for their kind donations of mulled wine and mince pies.”