SHOPPERS in Stockton joined in the blessing of a special Christmas tree yesterday.

Customers in the Castlegate Shopping Centre are invited to make a donation to the hospice, write a Christmas message on a tag, and attach it to the tree in remembrance of a loved one.

Mary Butterwick, founder of the hospice, attended the blessing service, which was conducted by the Reverend Peter Sutcliffe.

She said: "We are very grateful for all the support we receive from the community, and from people in surrounding areas."

Volunteers are needed to help man the tree on weekdays and Saturdays, until Christmas, from 10am until 4pm. Anybody who can help is asked to contact the hospice on (01642) 624231