The death of a loved one brings sadness into our lives at any time of year.

But close to Christmas, as families gather for the festivities, that sadness can feel particularly fresh and painful no matter how long ago a person died.

And on Sunday, December 7, St Michael's Church in Beccles, is holding a special Lights to Remember service.

The service will contain readings and poems, hymns and music, moments of reflection and thanksgiving, and a chance to light a personal candle of remembrance.

You can also add the name of those you come to remember to the Rosedale Funeral Home tree of remembrance, which remains in the church throughout the Christmas period.

'This is always a very special service,' said the Rev John Beauchamp, rector at St Michael's.

'It is a chance to remember those we have lost, to hold the pain and sadness we all feel, and to allow the comforting and strengthening light of God's love to give us hope for our loved ones and ourselves.

'Grief is a journey that we each travel in different ways and at different speeds. I hope that this service will give all who come new strength to face that journey, whether your grief is fresh and new or something you have lived with for a long time.'

The service also seeks to reach out to those who face death today and their families by supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Marie Curie nurses work across the UK offering specialist care to those who are terminally ill both at home and in hospices.

They will often sit with patients overnight to give family members a night's sleep and play key supporting roles for family members as they care for their loved ones.

There will be a retiring collection in aid of Marie Curie Cancer care at the service, which stats at 6.30pm.

•Have you got a story from the Beccles area? Email louisa.lay@archant.co.uk