A THOUGHT provoking event to launch the 'Memories Tree' was held at Hotel Endsleigh at Milton Abbott in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Members of the community came to the hotel and enjoyed refreshments to celebrate this new feature in the gardens. Pupils from Milton Abbot School released Macmillan balloons to mark the occasion.

The hotel is inviting people to celebrate something or someone special by personally embossing a copper tag and hanging it on the Memories Tree. Many have already done so by marking the dates of their wedding. Children from the school added wishes to the tree, including one for a 'cure for cancer' made by one pupil.

Visitors are encouraged to make a donation for their tag and all money raised will go to helping local people affected by cancer.

The tree is in a quiet part of the garden where people can focus on personal thoughts and reflections and remember a loved one or a special date. The tags will remain on the tree for as long as possible so that visitors can come back and visit this special place.

Ashley Tossell who was invited to say a few words to officially launch the Memories Tree, said was 'very honoured to help such a worthy cause.'

Sian Harris, Macmillan fundraising manager said: 'We hope everyone will come and enjoy this special place and use it as an opportunity to remember someone or something special.'