A MULTI-FAITH service to remember loved ones who have passed away will be held in a North-East city next month.

The Co-operative Funeralcare at Chester Road is arranging the multi-faith memorial service to support bereaved families and to raise charity funds for the sixth time.

The service will be held at The Minster, High Street West, in Sunderland on Thursday, at 6pm on Thursday December 15.

Funeral director Karen Crake said: "The festive season can often be a very painful time for the bereaved so we do this to help local people.

"There is a point in the service when people will be invited to place a bauble on the tree in memory of their loved ones. We've done this for the past five years and people have found it comforting."

Readings will be given by people of different faiths and Christmas carols will be sung.

The Salvation Army band and a piper will play followed by mince pies and mulled wine .

Donations over the years have raised over £1,000 for Grace House Children’s Hospice. This year donations will be given to The Paediatric Trust Fund at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

People are welcome to turn up on the night, but booking in advance on 0191-567 3401 would be appreciated by the organisers.