MORE than two thousand people watched the annual Light Up A Life switch-on for Wirral Hospice St John's on Sunday.

Lights on trees in the Clatterbridge-based hospice gardens were turned on by brothers Cameron and Mathew Ankers during the ceremony.

Andrew Scaife, chaplaincy team leader from Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust led the service.

Mathew and Cameron then flicked the switch in memory of dad Kenneth, who died at the hospice in October last year.

Leading the congregation in singing of carols was the Cantemus Choir, accompanied by Wirral Schools' Brass Band.

Now in its 18th year, the Globe-backed campaign raises much-needed funds for the hospice.

The lights are sponsored in the names of lost loved one and will remain lit until twelfth night in January.

This is a special event looked forward to by many people who have found comfort in celebrating the lives of people who are special to them.

Last year’s switch-on raised £100,000 for hospice running costs and there is still time to sponsor a light.

Lesley Woodhead, fundraising manager at Wirral Hospice St John’s, said: "I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the event this year and everyone who attended Sunday’s ceremony.

"We were very lucky with the weather, conditions were perfect. It's also been our biggest turn-out in the last four years.

"In terms of funds, were down on the figure that was raised for last year’s Light Up A Life.

"We welcome the coupons and there is still plenty of time to sponsor a light.

"There is still time to honour someone by lighting a light and you can do this on line at our website, by completeing the form here or by calling the office on 343 0778."

The names of those honoured will feature in special books which will be placed in the hospice chapel. They will be on view from 5-7pm daily until Friday, December 7.

For the first time this year lights can also be sponsored on line at www.justgiving.com/Lesley-Woodhead1

You can also support the fundraising campaign by purchasing special pinbadges from the hospice.