IT’S always been a shining beacon of hope – and now St Luke’s Hospice is literally shining after being lit up with thousands of lights.

The hospice building, in Nethermayne, was brightened up as fundraisers celebrated the climax of their Make St Luke’s Shine appeal.

The campaign, which saw residents and businesses sponsoring a light to support hospice care, raised £16,000.

A special switch-on ceremony, led by hospice founder and patron Trudy Westmore-Cox and the charity’s celebrity patron Josh Dubovie, saw hundreds of hospice supporters and families of patients flocking to watch the action.

Alison Jones, external fundraising officer for St Luke’s, who organised the campaign, said: “It was a wonderful evening. We had a countdown to the big switch-on and everyone cheered as the lights went on.

“We did this to celebrate our 20th anniversary and it was incredibly symbolic and fitting. As usual, the support we have received from people is spectacular.”

The lights, which also line the hospice gardens, will be turned on from time to time between now and Christmas.

Eurovision singer Josh, 20, from Laindon, who jumped at the chance to be the celebrity patron at St Luke’s, entertained the audience by belting out tunes including the classic Love is In the Air.

Alison added: “That was quite fitting, because that’s what St Luke’s is all about – love.

“We want to thank everyone who contributed to the campaign and who sponsored a light.”