A GARDEN of remembrance in Burnley for parents who have lost their babies during pregnancy or around the time of birth has been dedicated.

The baby remembrance garden is in Burnley Cemetery on the site of the old Catholic Chapel, a circular piece of land at the lower end of the site.

About 70 people attended the dedication service performed by Burnley hospital chaplain the Rev Susan Turner, assisted by members of other faiths including Buddhists and Muslims.

Burnley Health Trust chief executive David Chew and Trust chairman, Brian Foster along with other managers and staff from the hospital and representatives of the Still Birth and Natal Death Society who joined in the fundraising were also present.

Mrs Turner said it had been felt for some years that the Burnley lacked any facility where bereaved parents could go to remember the baby they lost either during pregnancy or around the time of birth.

It was a well-known fact that it was beneficial for bereaved parents to have somewhere to visit as a focus for their grief, especially those parents who have no grave to visit because they lost their baby early in pregnancy.

The garden has a central sculpture, a circular area of paving blocks, on which names of babies are engraved, four benches, a herbaceous border, a low hedge including tall yew conifers and a grassed border.

The garden cost £7,000 which was raised through a series of events including sponsored runs, walks and a dinner party.

The chaplain added: "Names can be added for years to come."

It is also hoped to create another garden of baby remembrance in Nelson.

Anyone who wants information can contact Mrs Turner on 01282 474260.

In a few weeks' time responsibility for names being added in the garden will be taken over by the cemetery office.