Christmas is a time to remember those we have lost and Douch Family Funeral Directors is inviting local people to do this in a tangible way.

You can leave messages on the trees of remembrance which are now standing at its branches at Douch & Small in Wimborne, AE Jolliffe & Son in Ferndown, Lesley Shand in Corfe Mullen and Blandford, Ives and Shand in Parkstone and Albert Marsh in Wareham.

Anyone from the community is invited to pop into a branch and write a message for a loved one then hang it from the tree.

It is anticipated that by Christmas the trees will be dripping with moving messages.

The company is also raising awareness and funds for its new charity of the year; Will Does – dedicated to the memory of William Paddy whose life sadly ended early at the age of 14.

It helps young people through the promotion of education, physical health, mental health and social inclusion.

The group’s James Smith branch in Swanage has sponsored Christmas trees at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Swanage and St George’s Church in Langton Matravers, upon which messages can be left.

Melissa Keen from the group’s Lesley Shand branch in Corfe Mullen said: “We have done this for a number of years and it really helps people.

“Anyone can pop into a branch, write a message and hang it from the tree – it doesn’t matter how long ago the loved one passed away.

“For many, it will be the first Christmas without a wife, husband, mother or father and the words are very moving.

“A tree of remembrance is a wonderful way to capture special memories and to celebrate a life.”