THE Tree of Light, commemorating loved ones in Priory Park, has officially been switched on by mayor Cynthia Palmer.

The event on Monday began with the Chase Brass Band playing Christmas carols, to ensure an appropriately seasonal spirit, before the switching in was carried out by Cllr Palmer.

Andrew Bartlett, president of Malvern Rotary, which organised the annual Tree of Light campaign, was present, along with Malvern vicar, Rev Rod Corke, who blessed the tree.

A list of donors and business supporters is already on display in the theatre foyer, and will also be published in the Malvern Gazette over the Christmas period..

Provisional results indicate that the appeal has raised around £10,000, to be distributed to St Richard’s Hospice 2020 Build,Age UK-Malvern’s Befriending Service and other local causes.

A Rotary Club spokesman said: "Our thanks go to Adrian Callow and Paul Lucas for giving up their time to help and to Malvern Hills District Council and Malvern Theatres."