POSTMEN in York will be delivering something extra with the morning mail in a bid to help St Leonard's Hospice light up a life this Christmas.

A leaflet about the St Leonard's Hospice Light Up A Life appeal is being delivered by the Royal Mail to selected households in the York area.

It invites residents to honour loved ones and friends with a Christmas light on one of two special trees at York Railway Station and at St Leonard's Hospice in Tadcaster Road.

The thousands of lights on both trees will be switched on at ceremonies on Sunday, December 1, and they will remain lit until Twelfth Night, January 6.

The names of everyone who is remembered will be recorded in a Book of Honour on display at the hospice from December 2.

Hospice community fundraiser Judith Wilson said: 'This is the first time that we've had leaflets about Light up a Life delivered, and we hope that as many people as possible will respond to our invitation to honour someone in this special way at Christmas.

"This will be the fifth year that we have run the appeal, which helps us raise some of the £2 million we need each year to provide care for local people and their families."

The leaflets are also available during opening hours at the four hospice shops in Tang Hall, Pocklington, Haxby and Acomb, and at St Leonard's Hospice Fundraising Centre in Acomb.

They can also be obtained from St Leonard's Hospice in Tadcaster Road between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

The fundraising centre can be called on 01904 781576.

Meanwhile, hairdressers in York put down their scissors and combs in order to raise more than £200 for the hospice.

Staff at KopyKatz in Walmgate held an open evening where they were able to showcase their newly-refurbished salon as well as raise vital funds.

Customers old and new were welcomed to the salon, and the first 50 people through the door were given goody bags containing hair products and money-off vouchers as well as refreshments throughout the evening.

A raffle was also held with prizes, including champagne, chocolate, flowers and hair products, donated by local businesses.

Owner Jackie Longbottom said: "My dad recently died of cancer. He isn't from York but I realised that hospices really need supporting. We managed to raise about £210.

"It was a really good night, everyone had a great time and it allowed everyone to see the new salon, which was refurbished in August."

Updated: 09:41 Wednesday, October 30, 2002