A FIRST of its kind event for Abergele will give residents the opportunity to commemorate their late loved ones this Christmas.

St Kentigern hospice in St Asaph has brought its first 'Tree of Lights' event to the town on Friday, November 29.

Working alongside Abergele Town Council, the ceremony saw lights decorating the tree at the Town Hall switched on in remembrance of those who have been loved and lost. To mark the occasion, Rev Kate Johnson gave a service and Abergele and Pensarn mayor cllr Shirley Jones-Roberts and her consort Brian Roberts welcomed about 100 people to the service.

Lindsey Thomas, community and events fundraiser for the hospice, said:"I was quite pleased with the turn out considering how cold it was. I’ve had very good feedback about the service and hope we will have more people in future. We certainly plan to have it as an annual event for the hospice. Everyone was very generous for the collection which raised over £85. That doesn’t include donations made for the book of memories which are still coming in."

As well as the service, music was provided by the popular Beulah Brass band.

Mrs Thomas added: "We are so pleased to have had the opportunity to hold this ceremony at the Town Hall. The Abergele community have always been staunch supporters of the hospice and it is lovely to give people the opportunity to celebrate their loved ones near their home town."

"St Kentigern Hospice is looking forward to 2020 when the new building will be open once more, helping even more people in need of hospice care in future."