A special ceremony has been held at the Lister Hospital to mark their Tree of Light switch-on.

The Tree of Light has been set up for the north Herts community - including those from Hitchin - to pay tribute to a loved one, to say thank you for care received or even to celebrate something special.

The Christmas tree will now shine bright outside the front of the Lister until the new year and dedications will be displayed on the window at the main entrance to the hospital and on the charity's website.

East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust's chief executive Nick Carver, switched on the lights after readings by Butterfly Volunteer Service co-ordinator Angela Fenn, and hospital chaplains John O'Neill and Mary Porter.

Beth McNeil, head of charity at East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity, said: "Sadly, because of the pandemic, we couldn't invite members of the community to attend the ceremony, so instead it was broadcast live on Facebook.

"It was fantastic to see the tree lit up to mark the start of the festive season, and I wish to thank everyone who has made a dedication so far – your support makes a difference to both NHS staff and the patients they care for."

A Tree of Light dedication and donation will ensure the charity can continue to help these hospitals provide extraordinary care for patients, as well as enhance visitor experience and support the trust's amazing NHS staff.

Dedications can be made until the end of the year www.enhhcharity.org.uk/treeoflight where where you may also, if you wish, make a donation to the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity in support of the trust's four hospitals – Hertford County, the Lister, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood and the New QEII in Welwyn Garden City.