ALMOST 1,000 people turned out for a charity's tree-lighting ceremony so they could remember their loved ones at Christmas.

Gravesend Lions Hospice, on Coldharbour Lane, lit 2,000 lights on its tree during the Lights of Love event at the weekend.

Each light, bought by relatives for a donation of £5, represented a loved one who is either unwell or has died.

The lights were switched on by Tim Latham, whose brother has spent time at the hospice.

Hospice community fundraiser Joy Blunderfield said: "We had a band playing carols and people used our Lights of Love song sheets to join in.

"We also made a book of dedications which is on show at the hospice chapel until Christmas.

"All in all it was a wonderful and moving day."