KIND-HEARTED BT engineers have helped bring Christmas cheer to scores of patients at the Prospect Hospice.

Andy Davies and Howard Winfield used a special hydraulic platform to drape hundreds of fairy lights over the hospice's 17ft tree yesterday.

Each light will be available to sponsor, to help raise cash for the registered charity.

Mr Davies, said he was only too happy to come to the rescue." If it cheers them up for even a second, then it's worth it."

Wendy Harman, a fundraising administrator at the hospice in Moormead Road, was delighted with their efforts.

She said: "Draping several hundred lights on a 35ft tree is not something you can do with a step ladder, so we are really grateful for their help."

The lights will be officially switched on during the Light A Life Celebration on Saturday, December 6, which includes a carol concert. Anyone is welcome to attend and Thamesdown is laying on free transport.

Buses will run at regular intervals from 4.30pm from the Nationwide Building Society car park in Pipers Way.

Anyone wanting to sponsor a light on the tree can call 01793 815142.

Staff at BT in Swindon, including Howard, recently stripped off for a calendar to raise cash for the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

The calendar, Who Let The Boy's Out? is on sale for £10, with £6 from each purchase going to Macmillan Cancer Relief. To order one e-mail Bob Pannell at robert.pannell@bt.com