Hundreds of people gathered at Sandbach's annual Tree of Light for the ceremony at Sandbach Cemetery.

A cold evening didn't deter people from turning out to remember their loved ones and take part in a moving service organised by Sandbach Partnership with Orbitas.

Sandbach literally shone last night (Thursday) as local school bands and school children played and sang festive songs to a gathered audience.

Sandbach High School and Sixith Form College concert band performed a medley of Christmas carols while Offley Primary Academy sang two carols.

The Chamber choir of Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College sang "Away in a Manger" and "Hark the Herald Angels".

Sandbach Town Mayor, Cllr Geraint Price Jones, formally opened the event thanking everyone for coming.

He told the audience he was honoured and proud to open the event which was ""extra special" due to the effect of the pandemic.

"It has affected everyone across all walks of life and this event reflects the difficult times we have all been through."

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Dot Flint, who was chair of Sandbach Partnership for around 19 years, told the audience how the ceremony started around 13 years ago.

This year's event has been organised by Keeley Todd, the chair of Sandbach Partnership. Last year's event had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

Residents were invited to dedicate a star to someone who had passed away which was hung on a tree lit up during the ceremony.

Kevin Melling from Orbitas Bereavement Services did a reading and thanked the audience for coming along.

A spokesman from Orbitas said: "Thanks to everyone for supporting this ceremony. With very best wishes for a peaceful festive season."