ISLANDERS are invited to let their loved ones shine bright this Christmas by dedicating a memory star to them.

Christmas trees are being spruced up in preparation for families and friends to place memory stars on their branches throughout December.

Ingrid McAllister-Derry, from Southern Co-op's free Bereavement Centre, said: "After someone close to you has died, any celebration can be particularly hard. The memory stars give people the opportunity to re-live happy moments and make sure their loved ones are still included in this special time of year."

The trees will be placed in six Southern Co-op's Funeralcare branches across the Island — East Cowes, Freshwater, Lake, Newport, Ryde and Shanklin — to give everyone the opportunity to write a personal message this Christmas.

Ingrid said for those who are finding it particularly hard this Christmas, there is advice on the website and their free bereavement support is available to everyone.

Southern Co-op are also hosting special 'pop in and have a mince pie' events on Wednesday, December 19 and Friday, December 21 from 12pm to 3pm.

All memorial trees will be up and ready for stars by next Friday (30).