EAST Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe recently joined St Luke's Hospice supporters for a moving Christmas carol service in Chadwell St Mary.

The 'Light Up a Life' Christmas carol service at St. Mary's was in support of those who have recently lost a loved one.

Grays Town Band opened the service, followed by words from Rev Kate Carter, Christmas carols, words from Deputy Mayor Cllr Qaisar Abbas, the switch-on of Christmas lights, and carols by St Luke's Hospice Singers. Mr Metcalfe made a reading entitled 'Have faith in love' which underlined that grief was an expression of love.

St Luke's Hospice has an online dedication book, as well as special public dedication lists in Eastgate Shopping Centre, Grays Shopping Centre, and St. Martin's Church Bell Tower to mark its 'Light Up a Life' services. Mr Metcalfe said: "I want to thank St Luke's for inviting me to their 'Light Up a Life' service at St Mary's Church. St Luke's Hospice Singers and Grays Town Band put on a wonderful service.

"Christmas can be an extremely difficult time for grieving families and 'Light Up a Life' is a special way of remembering loved ones and bringing families together who have a connection to the hospice."