REBECCA HOWARD, wife of Castle Howard owner Simon Howard, attended a special Christmas lights switch-on at Malton Railway Station.

The lights were on a tree which has been sponsored by St Catherine's Hospice, Scarborough.

Bulbs on the tree had been sponsored by people wishing to remember lost loved ones.

The bulbs - which have so far raised more that £16,000 - will be on throughout the Christmas and New Year season.

Before the lights were switched on there was a short service, with music provided by youngsters from Norton College and Malton Primary School choir.

Guests were invited afterwards to the Talbot Hotel in Yorkersgate, Malton, for mince pies and coffee.

Updated: 09:38 Wednesday, December 12, 2001