CHILDREN in St Wilfrid's Primary School, York, choir are busy practising for a concert to help launch a special Christmas tree.

The Monkgate school is joining the Service of Dedication for the St Leonard's Hospice Light Up A Life Christmas tree at York Railway Station on Sunday.

The service begins at 3.30pm on the station concourse, and includes two carols from the choir, as well as Christmas hymns for everyone to join in. The Golden Rail Brass Band is playing before the service and accompany the singing.

Each light on the special tree, which will be switched on during the service, has been sponsored to celebrate the life of someone special.

Their names are recorded in a Book of Honour that will be on display at the service, and afterwards at the hospice in Tadcaster Road. The service will be conducted by the hospice chaplain Father Tom Mylod.

Janet Morley, fundraising manager at the hospice and organiser of the Light Up A Life tree, said: "We are delighted that St Wilfrid's Choir is going to sing for us again this year at the lighting of the tree.

"Many people commented to us last year that it was lovely to have their young voices leading this special service. All the money we raise from the donations for each light will go towards our work of caring for local people."

There is still time to make a donation to have a light shine on the tree for a loved one or a friend. To find out how, call the hospice's fundraising centre on 01904 781576.

The Light Up A Life Christmas Tree will be at York Railway Station until January 6. It is just one of hundreds of trees throughout the country, many of them on stations, each raising funds for their local hospice.

Updated: 09:25 Wednesday, November 28, 2001