People lost to suicide have been honoured at Renfrewshire's annual memorial service.

Local support group Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) hosted the short service in partnership with Renfrewshire's Choose Life service on Thursday, January 19 at the memorial tree outside Renfrewshire House, in Paisley.

The Gazette: Provost Cameron laying a wreathProvost Cameron laying a wreath (Image: Renfrewshire Council)

The service was led by Renfrewshire's Provost Lorraine Cameron, who laid a commemorative wreath at the memorial tree.

Attendees were able to place a purple heart onto the tree with a message to a loved one that has been lost.

The Gazette: People could write messages for loved ones who have been lostPeople could write messages for loved ones who have been lost (Image: Renfrewshire Council)

Provost Cameron, who helped establish the memorial tree in 2010, said: "This service provides a chance for those who have lost a loved one to grieve, remember and celebrate the person they have lost.

"This year we offered the opportunity to sit and have a cup of tea and a chat both before and after the service. Suicide can still be a taboo subject so sometimes talking and meeting with other people who really understand you can be the path to embracing life again.

The Gazette: Purple hearts were placed on the memorial treePurple hearts were placed on the memorial tree (Image: Renfrewshire Council)

"If you've been affected by suicide in any manner, please get in touch with the Choose Life team. They’ll be available for a chat and can provide you with the support you, or a friend or family member, needs to move forward.”

The memorial tree was first dedicated in 2010 as a permanent memorial to those who have died through suicide and is believed to have been the first of its kind in Scotland.

The Gazette: SOBS MemorialSOBS Memorial (Image: Renfrewshire Council)

If you were unable to attend the service but would still like to have a heart placed on the tree in memory of a loved one, send an email to the Choose Life team at chooselife.sw@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, support can be found online at www.samh.org.uk or call the Samaritans free of charge at any time on 116 123.