THE generosity of local people is ensuring that Malvern Rotary Club’s annual Tree of Light campaign remains on course for another successful year.

The scheme, which offers the chance to dedicate a light to a loved one in exchange for a donation, is now in its 10th year and has raised almost £80,000 over the last decade.

As they look for another successful year, Rotarians in Malvern decided they wanted to do something to acknowledge the generous support that has made the initiative such a success.

Keith Clingan, who organises the Tree of Light every year, thought it would be fitting to ask two of its most stalwart supporters to be involved in switching the tree on.

That honour falls to Malvern couple Nic and Sue Peeling, who have supported the Tree of Light generously every year.

“We thought that it would be a good idea to ask representatives of all our donors to switch on the lights,” said Mr Clingan.

“They have kindly agreed to officiate on behalf of all of the people of Malvern who have helped to make the project such a success.”

The switch-on ceremony takes place in Priory Park, behind Malvern Theatres, at 6.30pm on Monday, December 3 and will be followed by music from Malvern Chase Brass Band.

Dedications and a list of donors’ names, plus the names of those remembered, will be displayed in the theatre, at Malvern Library and online at malverngazette.co.uk.

This year’s proceeds are due to be divided between Macmillan Cancer Support (45 per cent), Acorns Children’s Hospice (45 per cent) and other Rotary causes (10 per cent) and the tree will remain lit until Twelfth Night, January 5.