HUNDREDS of people of all ages gathered to prove the light they carry for lost loved ones is still alive.
The annual Light Up A Life service took place on Saturday afternoon at Grimsby Minster.
The event, organised by St Andrew's Hospice, gives people the time to reflect and think about those they have lost.
The service was led by the charity's chaplain, Father David McCormick.
He said: "This is one opportunity to celebrate Christmas, but it can also be poignant to those that are grieving.
"Most people are here because they have lost someone and this is a chance to remember them.
"I hope the service will give people strength through the festive season.
"We are also celebrating the work of the hospice and I have to say it is my privilege to serve it.
"It is a humbling experience for me to draw alongside people on a difficult journey and they all inspire me.
"This service is also about the message of hope and there are times when we are on our knees but hope lets us stand again."
The service included the carols While Shepherds Watched, The First Nowell and Hark, The Herald Angels Sing among others. There were also readings from the Wind In The Willows, by Kenneth Grahame, and If, by Rudyard Kipling.
A film was also played that showed the work of the hospice's Caterpillar Sibling Support Group to remind people that the families of ill people are also cared for at St Andrew's.
Mother-of-six Zoe Truman, of Winthorpe Road, Grimsby, said: "My youngest Zack Hitchins, 4, has Wilms' tumours which are a type of cancer and because of that he goes to the hospice.
"The staff at the hospice have been brilliant with all my children.
"This service is so important to everyone and it is a time we can remember people and say thank you."
Five of Zoe's children were asked to turn the Minster's Christmas tree lights on, which were used to represent lost loved ones.
Son Corey Truman, 10, said: "I helped light the tree up to remember people at the hospice.
"My brother Zack goes there, which means I also go sometimes.
"It is a fun and caring place and I am glad it is here to help my brother."
Light Up A Life is the hospice's main annual fundraising event and last year raised £25,000.
Community fundraiser Lynne Lemon said: "Sometimes the hospice feels like a family.
"We have patients that come for years and then suddenly they are not there anymore.
"This service helps us remember all those people.
"The money raised from this event is very important.
"We need £3 million a year to run the hospice and so everything that we do raise is vital."
