A STUNNING 27ft Christmas tree will bring festive cheer to patients at St Luke's Hospice this year thanks to a generous donation.

Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich town councils have teamed up to donate the giant tree, while its beautiful lights were supplied by contributions from Winsford Town Council members' budgets.

The tree now sits in the courtyard outside the hospice's inpatient unit, where patients will be able to enjoy its festive glow through the windows.

Cllr Kevin Rimmer, mayor of Northwich, said: “It’s brilliant that the three towns have come together to support such a worthy cause and hopefully going forward we can do more together to aid and support our communities.”

The tree will provide the perfect backdrop for St Luke’s Light Up a Life service, which this year will be taking place online.

The annual service provides an opportunity to gather together to remember loved ones who are no longer with us.

Although this year a physical gathering at the hospice will not be possible, St Luke’s will be illuminating the beautiful tree as a symbol of the lives remembered and treasured, forming part of an online service which will offer an opportunity to pause and reflect from the comfort and safety of people’s own homes.

Neil Wright, chief executive, added: “The Christmas tree looks absolutely superb outside our hospice, and is bringing such a lovely glow to these dark December days for our patients, visitors and staff.

"We are so grateful to our local mayors for their generous donation and on behalf of everyone at St Luke’s, I extend a heartfelt thank you to all those involved for this beautiful gift."