MACMILLAN Cancer Support in Midhurst, Haslemere, Liphook, Petersfield and Bordon, held its annual Tree of Hope Service earlier this month.

The 2016 Book of Love and those from the previous five years were on display in the church. Rev Derek Welsman led the service with carols accompanied by the Midhurst Rother College band, and the Easebourne Primary School’s junior choir sang two songs.

Dedications are still coming in, but so far this year’s event has raised just over £5,000.

After the service, the congregation gathered outside for the lighting up of the tree by Karen Lang, a Macmillan volunteer, who has been involved with the event since it started in 2002.

Mulled wine was prepared by the Cowdray Café with Jacaranda Catering providing wine.

The parish of St Mary’s donated the mince pies, which were served by Sheila Allan and her team of Macmillan volunteers, from a marquee kindly supplied by Petworth Marquees.

James Campbell printed the programmes and Midhurst Rotary Club organised the car parking.

Karen Lang of the Tree of Hope Committee said: “We are very grateful to Lord and Lady Cowdray and the estate team for supporting the Tree of Hope event, as well as all our loyal volunteers and the local community, who all come together to support this very special local event.

“All donations received go to the Macmillan Midhurst specialist community palliative care service, to support their patients and their families living with cancer and other life threatening illnesses in Midhurst, Haslemere, Liphook, Petersfield and Bordon.”