CROWDS gathered to remember their loved ones at Christmas with a Tree of Lights service in Northwich on Friday.

The event was held at Witton Cemetery with carols sung by children from Witton Church Walk CE Primary School, a reading from Georgina Fisher, from St Nicholas Catholic High School, and prayers by the Rev Alison Harris and Father Jonathan Mitchell.

Mrs Harris and Father Mitchell also read out the names of loved ones, which are written on stars and hung on the holly tree at the cemetery, in Church Road.

The tree was lit by town mayor Clr Bob Robinson.

He said: “This is a time to remember, a time to be happy and also a time to be sad.”

The service, organised by Northwich Town Council, was followed by refreshments at the neighbouring St Helen’s Church.

The church is also holding its Carols by Candlelight service on Sunday, December 22, 6.30pm, as well as the Christmas Crib Service and Christingle on Tuesday, December 24, at 4pm.