THE FLINT and Holywell Rotary Club has thanked all members of the community who has so far backed its 'Tree of Life' initiative this Christmas time.

On December 1, the festive period officially got underway in Flint as the Christmas lights were switched on along the high street. 

And the town's tree is this year offering residents the chance to remember loved ones or a special memory.

That is through the 'Tree of Life' which was lit up outside St Mary's Parish Church that same evening.

The initiative has been set up by Flint Town Council in conjunction with both the Rotary Club of Flint & Holywell and St. Kentigern Hospice.

Now that the tree has been lit, residents are invited to support the 'Light Up a Life' project. 

Wooden stars have been delivered to schools and are available for residents to decorate and/or write a name of a loved one or occasion on the star.

Rotary Club members have thanked those who have so far supported the project and those who have made it possible.

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And, although the initiative is free, donations are being accepted in aid of St Kentigern's Hospice.

A statement from Flint and Holywell Rotary Club read: "The club has been distributing many thousand silver stars around most of the local schools, for local children to decorate in memory of a family member who has passed on, and who they will be remembering this Christmas. 

"100% of all the money raised will be given to our local Hospice, St Kentigern’s who do such a wonderful job and whose fund raising team have given us invaluable help and support.

"This is a Tree of Life and children can use their stars to celebrate a happy event during the course of the year. A new baby brother or sister, success at school, even memories of a great time on a family holiday or indeed anything that has been special to them."

The Leader: PIC: A closer look at Flint's 'Tree of Life'.

They added: "The Club wish to record their gratitude for the tremendous support they have received from Michelle Perfect and her team from Flint Town Council, and The Reverend Richard Hainsworth, Rector of Flint Parish Church who have been tireless in their support for The Light up a Life Project, visiting local schools and businesses, and indeed all but two of the local schools have expressed their wish to take part in this project."

It is now hoped that the “Light up a Life" project will become an annual event and that next year.

Festivities will continue in Flint on Friday December 15 at 7.30pm when residents are invited to attend a carol service to hang their star on the tree. 

Those who cannot attend that event can still take part by dropping their stars off at the town hall by December 12 and these can be hung on the tree ready for the service.