Hundreds of people gathered for the 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 the Friends of Sandbach Cemetery and Orbitas Bereavement Services.   

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

Crowds at last night's event at Sandbach Cemetery

Sandbach's 'Can't Sing Choir' sang a medley of Christmas carols before the event was formally opened by Councillor Joy Bratherton, chair of Orbitas Bereavement Services.  

Offley Primary Academy's choir sang 'Away in a Manger' while the Dingle school choir sang 'On a Starry Night' and 'Love Shone Down'.

Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College's chamber choir sang 'Gabriel's Message' and 'Deck the Halls'.

Sandbach Mayor, Cllr Kathryn Flavell, formally switched the lights on before a solo performance of 'Oh Tree of Light' and 'This Little Light of Mine' by Roseanne Price.   

Sandbach's 'Can't Sing' choir at the Tree of Light ceremony

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