ANNUAL remembrance services have raised more than £13,000 for Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge.

The hospice's annual Tree of Light remembrance ceremonies are held each year for families, friends and loved ones of those who have lost someone close to them - often having spent time under the care of the hospice.

Three ceremonies took place in November in Stourbridge Old Edwardians Club, Oldswinford Hospital School and St John the Baptist Church in Halesowen - and those attending had chance to either buy a candle to light at the ceremony, sponsor a light on the hospice's famous tree which is lit up within its Hagley Road grounds with thousands of lights from late November until January 5.

And, in total, funds raised totalled £13,224.62.

Charlotte Schofield, head of fundraising and lottery at the hospice, said: “Our Tree of Light services are always a very emotional time for everyone here at the hospice and in our community.

"Taking the time to remember those we love is so important, and we all gain an enormous amount of strength by coming together as a community to pay our respects and enjoy the treasured memories we have of our loved ones.

"The tree, much like the hospice, is a beacon of love and support for people in their time of need, and that's what makes our Tree of Light ceremonies so special."

This year's Tree of Light ceremonies will take place on the final weekend of November. Venue details have yet to be confirmed.