The Lights Of Love dedication ceremony will take place around the town's Christmas tree, in Market Place, and is open to visitors and people who have supported the appeal.

The annual campaign is arranged by members of Warwick Rotary Club and last year it raised more than £3,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

Organiser Moira Bailey explained that members are close to beating last year's total and already have around 300 names on the tree.

She said: "The response this year has been phenomenal.

"We have had hundreds of people making donations and giving us names of people they want to be remembered.

"I think people saw how good it was last year and have decided to take part and support us."

People wanting to add the name of a friend or relative to the tree should fill out a form including a short message and return it with a suggested £5 donation.

This year proceeds will be split between the air ambulance and the Aylesford Cancer Unit at Warwick Hospital.

The dedication service will start at 4.30pm and will be taken by Rev Vaughan Roberts. Members of St Mary's church choir will be performing at the service and there will also be music from Warwick Girls Marching Band.

Around 100 people attended last year's event and Mrs Bailey hopes that more will come this time.

She added: "It is a very poignant occasion and a chance for people in Warwick to really come together and remember.

"It is sad and people do get upset but last year a lot of people came up and thanked me afterwards.

"The service is a way of thinking of loved ones over Christmas and taking time to remember them at this busy time of year."

Forms are available from Torry's DIY in West Street, and Claridges and the Warwick Post Office, both in Market Place. Names can be added to the tree until Christmas Eve.