An annual remembrance event saw more than 300 people gather outside Watford Town Hall.

The Peace Hospice Care’s Lights of Love event allows everyone in the community to commemorate, remember and celebrate the lives of those they have loved and lost.

Prior to and during the evening on Wednesday there was the opportunity to make a written dedication to loved ones which were displayed inside Watford Town Hall.

This year the lights on the tree were turned on by the Sheppard family in memory of Steve Sheppard who died at the hospice in 2015.

Tom Lacey, Mr Sheppard’s son-in-law, said a few words on the night on behalf of the family. He described him as a devoted, loving man and described grief as unexpected and unpredictable.

He said: “It is a year since you left us, punching a hole through our hearts that can never be filled.

“The staff at the hospice make a truly invaluable difference to so many people on a daily basis.”

Joanna Marovitch, rehabilitation & wellbeing service ,anager at Peace Hospice Care oversaw the event and introduced speakers and performers, including: Charlie Smith who sang ‘I Know You By Heart and the Watford Philharmonic Society and the Grims Dyke Brass Band.

Those attending the event were invited into the Town hall afterwards to view the display of written dedications and for refreshments.