HUNDREDS of people flocked to a special carol service at the Eastgate Centre in Basildon to remember loved ones who have died.
The St Luke's Tree of Light Ceremony signals the beginning of the festive season in the Basildon shopping centre when its Christmas tree lights are switched on. Eastgate spokesman Mike Horton said: "Every year we donate our tree to St Luke's, which they then use as the Basildon tree of light.
"Throughout the season people can donate a small amount to sponsor a light on the tree and have a message to the loved ones they want to remember posted on a board by the tree.
"Last year this raised around £18,000 for the hospice so is a great source of income. Most people use it as a way of remembering loved ones."
Several choirs took part in a service round the tree just after 5pm. Mr Horton said visitor numbers were growing steadily year on year.
The hospice now has similar trees at Billericay, Wickford, Grays, Stanford-le-Hope, South Ockendon and Tilbury.
Published Tuesday, November 29, 2005
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