The Children’s Bereavement Centre, which has a base in Mansfield, is to host a Christmas candlelight service in the town for the first time.

The charity, which has held the annual festive service in Newark for eight years, said there was a high demand for its specialist bereavement services across Mansfield.

The additional service will be at at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Mansfield, on Tuesday, 10th December, at 6.30pm. It is open to all, not just those with a direct link to the Children’s Bereavement Centre, and is free to attend.

The theme is robins, inspired by the saying, ‘when robins appear loved ones are near’.

Children who have received from the charity have been decorating ceramic robin Christmas decorations, which will be sold for a donation at the church and at local events.

The Forest Singers Choir and St Peters C of E Academy, from Mansfield, will perform. There will be readings from family members who have accessed support, and candles will be lit in memory of loved ones.

If you would like your loved one’s name to be read to the congregation, email Julie@childrens bereavementcentre.co.uk before Thursday, 28th November.

Scrolls will be displayed in the church of the names read out since the candlelight services begun to continue to remember all those the charity’s users have lost.

Paula Drummond, bereavement team manager at the Children’s Bereavement Centre, said: “The candlelight service is a very moving and beautiful tribute to those we love who are no longer with us, allowing all who attend the time and space to pause and reflect.

“We understand that Christmas can be a difficult time for those who have been bereaved of a loved one. Our team feels it’s important to bring you together, to support each other, and to let you know that you are not alone. We hope that this community event gives you the opportunity to meet others, to remember your loved ones, and to move forward to embrace and celebrate Christmas with your family and friends. ”

After the service, families are invited to stay for refreshments and talk to the CBC team and old friends.

For more information about the candlelight service go to www.childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk/christmas-candlelight-service