A RECORD-breaking appeal at a Burnley hospice has received a glowing reception.

Pendleside Hospice will light up for all the world to see this weekend when 2,200 sponsored bulbs are switched on.

The Light Up A Life appeal gives people the chance to remember their loved ones in a unique way. Anyone can sponsor one of the coloured bulbs, which are kept alight until well into the new year at the Colne Road, Reedley hospice.

Everyone who sponsors a bulb will also be given a space in a book of remembrance to be kept on display at the hospice all year round.

Light Up A Life is a regular event in the hospice calendar, but this year the organisers are determined to beat all past records for sponsorship. Already more than £25,000 has been received.

Kaye Bartle, fundraising manager at the hospice, said: "Light Up A Life is a wonderful event.

"The switch on service is very often filled with emotion as the lights come on, giving people a poignant and positive way to remember their loved ones at this special time of year."

The hospice needs around £1 million a year to provide patients with the care they need. Money raised from the sponsored bulbs will go directly to helping them.

Kay Bartle said: "Every year the costs of running the hospice rise further and when we look at the huge fundraising mountain that we have to climb it can sometimes seem an impossible task."

The lights will be switched on by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Burnley, Councillors Jack Alston and Rafique Malik, at 3.30pm on Sunday.