Supporters of a Poole hospice have dug deep into their pockets to help raise over £10,000 in just two months.

Forest Holme, which is dedicated to caring for patients with cancer and other life limiting illnesses, ran its annual Light Up A Life Appeal throughout November and December.

People were invited to hang a star in memory of their loved ones on a special Tree of Remembrance in the Dolphin Centre in Poole or dedicate a light on the Christmas tree at Poole’s Civic Centre.

Debra Dennett for Friends of Forest Holme, said so many people wanted to hang a star on the Tree of Remembrance that during the last week of the campaign that they had to reprint more stars and eventually sold a record 1300.

She said: “We’re overwhelmed with the amount we raised. In our first year of the campaign in 2002, we raised £8,500 and I never dreamed that we would beat that figure in 2011.

She added: “I would also like to thank the Daily Echo for all the support they gave the appeal as part of their ‘Give Back This Christmas’ campaign. The money raised will help us continue caring when it’s needed the most.”