A POIGNANT memorial to lost loved ones will mark the start of a hospice's 30th birthday celebrations.

Candles lit in memory of those who have passed are to be released along the River Ouse next month as part of St Leonard's Hospice's Candles on the Ouse.

Hospice volunteers and fundraisers joined YorkBoat staff yesterday to launch the appeal and are urging supporters to sponsor a candle on December 4.

The day will include a short service led by the Hospice chaplains before hundreds of floating personal memorials are set adrift to float down the river watched by supporters and visitors from Dame Judi Dench Walk between Lendal Bridge and Marygate.

Each tribute will be sponsored by people who have donated to the Hospice to commemorate a birthday or anniversary as a gift for someone special, or as a way of remembering a loved one.

YorkBoat is lending one of its vessels to host York’s Civic Party for the event will illuminate its boat for the service.

Judy Wilson, events fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, said: "This promises to be an impressive and moving event, and everyone is very welcome to join us on the riverbank and to sponsor their own candles – you can even have your own personal message written on them."

To sponsor a candle call (01904) 777777 or visit www.stleonardshospice.org.uk.