LAST month's 'Light Up a Life Appeal' at St John's Hospice in Wirral has smashed all records.

The annual event - the first of its kind on Wirral when it was launched six years ago - has raised an amazing £56,011, beating the previous year's best-ever total by £11,000.

"We are truly overwhelmed," said Sue Dean, Fundraising Manager at the purpose-built hospice, which occupies a site at Clatterbridge Hospital, Bebington.

Since its inception, the appeal has been backed by the Globe, which each November invites readers to fill in a coupon to sponsor, for £5, one of the thousands of Christmas lights which decorate the trees in the hospice garden in memory of a loved one or a friend.

"The vast majority of the sponsorship came via the coupons," said Sue. "We can not express adequately our feelings for Globe readers, whose generosity never ceases to amaze us. We are so grateful."

"But it does underline the importance that people attach to this wonderful event and how grateful they are to be able to celebrate the life of a loved one in a positive and special way at such an emotional time of the year."