A SPECIAL service of light is being held for East Lancashire families who have lost a child.

The service will be held at St Joseph's RC Church in Audley Range, Blackburn, at 2pm on Sunday.

The Parents' Support Group for the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit hosts the event every year.

Parents of children who have died through illness or because of illness are invited to attend, along with people who have suffered miscarriages or a stillbirth.

People of all faiths are invited to the seventh annual ecumenical service and around 150 families are expected to take part.

Names of children or babies who have died some time ago can be included in the proceedings and every child mentioned will have a candle lit in their memory.

The group was originally formed by parents of children who had died at the baby care unit at Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn, but has since been widened and last year more than 175 children were remembered.

After the main event refreshments will be served and members of the support group will be on hand with information and advice.

People wanting to contact the group or send in details of a loved one should ring 01254 56026.

Details can also be sent in writing to the Parents' Support Group, Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Health Care Trust, Chaplaincy Department, Park View Buildings, Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn BB2 3HH.

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