Children from Lydiard Millicent Primary School are getting into practice for a performance around the Prospect Hospice Christmas tree for the Light A Life evening.

The youngsters will be joined by the Swindon Choral Society on Saturday, December 9 for the annual event.

All the lights on the 25-ft Christmas tree will be sponsored to celebrate the life of someone special.

Last year, more than 900 lights were lit as part of the event, which raised £5,000, the equivalent cost of one day's care and support of Prospect's patients. Head of fundraising, Ann Wilkins, hopes to double that figure this year.

"We would love to raise £10,000 but Light A Life is more than just about raising money," she said.

"It is a lovely way to celebrate the life of someone special. It could be a newborn baby, a friend or in memory of a loved one. Last year, 400 people came along to the evening and joined with us in singing carols around the tree.

This year, we are delighted to have Swindon Choral Society and the children of Lydiard Millicent School. It will be a lovely evening."

The Prospect Hospice, in Moormead Road, Wroughton, has provided support for hundreds of townsfolk.

Staff at the hospice are dedicated to caring for people who are terminally ill with cancer, Aids and motor neurone disease.

The hospice costs £1.8 million a year to maintain, 80 per cent of which comes from voluntary sources, such as legacies, donations, fundraising events, the hospice lottery and its network of charity shops.

The Light A Life Celebration will take place outside the Prospect Hospice on December 9 at 5.30pm.

Anyone wanting to sponsor a light to celebrate a life with a minimum donation of £5 should contact the fundraising office on Swindon 815142.