A NORTH Yorkshire hospice is preparing for a big switch-on which will light up hundreds of lives.

Scarborough's St Catherine's Hospice's annual Light Up A Life appeal reaches its peak in early December when the lights on five Christmas trees are turned on in memory of people who will be missing this Christmas.

But donations are still coming in and people have until the end of next week - December 2 - to take part.

The Light Up A Life appeal gives people a chance to celebrate the memory of someone who was close to them.

Anyone can sponsor a light to remember someone who has died, or even to honour the lives of friends or relatives who are still living. There is no minimum amount and people can give whatever they wish.

Hospice fundraiser Helen Young said that they would still like to hear from anyone wishing to take part.

"This is a lovely way to remember loved ones and help the hospice help others," she said.

The appeal is one of the hospice's biggest fundraisers, making nearly £40,000 last year alone for patient care.

To light up a life, leaflets can be picked up from the hospice in Throxenby Lane, Scarborough, or from any hospice shop. They can also be requested by contacting (01723) 378406.

The form can also be downloaded directly from the hospice website at www.stcatherineshospice-nyorks.org