THE Borders community is invited to come together to remember loved ones as part of a special carol service and memorial.

On Tuesday, December 13, Borders Crematorium at Melrose will hold its annual Christmas Carol and Memorial Service, which gives family and friends the chance to be together and celebrate the festive season while also paying their respects to loved ones no longer with them.

The service is available in person and also via webcast for those unable to attend.

Site Manager Judith Emond said: “Christmas can be a particularly difficult time of year for families who are missing loved ones, and our annual Christmas Carol and Memorial Service provides a fitting way for people to reflect and honour their loved ones during the festive season.

“For some, especially if they are quite recently bereaved, the festive period is often a time when they feel their loss more, and people can feel lonely.

“This service provides a chance for people to not only pay tribute to their loved ones but also be in the company of other people who are in a similar situation, which in itself can be a source of comfort.

“Whether people are attending here in person, or viewing the service online, we know, from feedback we’ve had in previous years, that the service brings some solace and peace to local people at this time of year.”

Alongside the service, visitors can write messages to loved ones on heart-shaped Christmas tree decorations which will be added to the crematorium's tree.

The service is free to attend, however, it is advised that people book a place in advance.

To book a place to join the service from 6pm on Tuesday, email: borders@westerleighgroup.co.uk or call 01896 823357. These details can also be used by people unable to attend in person to have a decoration sent to them to write a message on before returning it to the crematorium.

To join the service online, visit: events.obitus.com/, then enter the username ‘borders’ and the password ‘snow’.

For more information, visit www.borderscrem.co.uk