FALLEN heroes and lost loved ones are remembered on Amesbury’s Tree of Light.

Green bulbs have been illuminated in memory of soldiers stationed on Salisbury Plain who died this year in conflicts around the world.

They have been added to the white bulbs sponsored by families as a way of remembering loved ones at Christmastime.

The Tree of Light, in the town’s central car park, has been organised by Amesbury Rotary Club and has already raised £1,500 for local charities.

It was lit on Monday evening at a carol concert attended by more than 200 people including schoolchildren and members of the military.

Music was provided by Shrewton Silver Band, and Toby Foster from Newton Tony Primary School, helped Rotary Club president Katy Gill turn on the lights after winning the honour in a colouring competition.

“The tree looks wonderful, I am very proud of it,” said Mrs Gill.

“This is the 10th year we have had the Tree of Light and it just keeps on getting better.

“We have raised a lot of money for local good causes, which will be handed out at our presentation evening next year.

“Christmas is when we do lots of our fundraising and it’s been very successful.”

There were also stalls, mince pies and hot chocolate, a raffle and Christmas cake competition that raised £100 for the Rotary Club’s Shelterbox Appeal.

The club has also organised Santa’s grotto next to Nationwide Building Society in the town centre, which is open every Saturday morning until Christmas, and a touring grotto that will be outside the Tesco store in Durrington from 2.30pm today and at Co-op in Archers Gate from 2.30pm on Thursday, December 20.

*An electrical mix up dulled Amesbury’s Christmas lights switch on event, which was held last Wednesday. The town’s lights and Christmas tree on Salisbury Street were due to be turned on as part of a Christmas street market and late night shopping event. However a problem with the power supply meant the lights didn’t go on. The problem has now been fixed and the tree is illuminated.