A Rubery-based crematorium is set to host a Christmas carol and memorial service to remember loved ones in the run-up to the festive season.

Waseley Hills Crematorium has issued an open invitation for residents to join them on Wednesday, December 6 as an opportunity to come together and reflect at a time when people can particularly feel their loss.

Visitors will also be able to write personal messages onto stars which will be hung from a tree and fill out postcards and letters for the crematorium’s ‘Letters to Heaven’ memorial box.

Pens and cards for the messages will be provided before and after the service.

Crematorium Assistant, Claire Montague, said: “Our annual Christmas carol and memorial service provides a fitting way for people to reflect and honour their loved ones during the festive season.

“For some, especially if they are quite recently bereaved, the festive period is often a time when they feel their loss more.

“This service provides a chance for people to not only pay tribute to their loved ones but also be in the company of other people who are in a similar situation, which in itself can be a source of comfort.”

There are two services running on the day at 10.30am and 6.30pm which will both include a selection of readings and popular Christmas carols led by a local choir.

There will also be a raffle in aid of the crematorium’s official charity partner Dementia UK.

Those unable to attend can watch the service on a live webcast at www.events.obitus.com/ entering the username ‘waseleyhills’ and the password ‘star’.

The service will also be available to watch again for 28 days from Friday, December 8.

Due to Christmas being a poignant time for the bereaved, the Westerleigh Group is also running a special offer of 10% off memorials purchased between November 1 and December 31.

For more information visit www.waseleyhillscrematorium.co.uk