Former Pop Idol judge and DJ Neil Fox was on hand to launch a new fundraising effort for the Princess Alice Hospice.

The DJ has supported the hospice for six years since he was touched by the high quality of care it provided for his father.

He launched the Lift up a Life campaign by the Christmas tree which has been put up in the café at the John Lewis store in Kingston.

The hospice is inviting shoppers to dedicate the lights to the memory of a loved one in exchange for a small donation. For every 50 donations the charity receives, a section of the tree will be lit up with coloured lights.

The money raised will be used to continue the care for people with life-limiting illnesses, and for the support of family and carers. Although it is based in Esher the hospice also serves the people of Hounslow.

"Dr" Fox said: "This year the charity has decided to build upon the success of its annual Light up a Life campaign and create this wonderful partnership with the store.

"The aim is to raise much needed funds and to create awareness of the vital work carried out by the charity in the wider community that it serves."

Also this month a volunteer from the Princess Alice Hospice charity shop in Surbiton celebrated her 95th birthday.

Showing characteristic dedication, Gladys Pearmund arrived at the shop to help out, and was surprised by co-workers with balloons and cake for a birthday celebration.