YOUNG mum Samantha Jackson's dream of a headstone memorial for her tragic baby Chloe's grave has come true.

She is thrilled with the black granite heart which was placed in Howe Bridge cemetery - thanks to Sankey's Funeral Service, Leigh, who donated the monument to the grieving family.

Little Chloe died in February in Royal Bolton Hospital from meningitis - only two days before her first birthday.

Now original cash collected from donations to buy a stone will be handed over for meningitis research.

Chloe's short, sad life will now be remembered for ever.

Her grandmother, Mrs Dariel Perry, of Hag Fold, Atherton, said: "Samantha is delighted with the memorial. She is coping quite well but I don't think Chloe's death has really struck her yet.

"She has moved to a house around the corner from me and is trying to get on with her life after a tough time.

"We would like to thank Sankey's for the stone which is beautiful. It is a leaning heart on a pedestal with an angel and Pooh Bear at the base. It also displays a plaque of Chloe which was done it Italy. It is very pretty, a lovely tribute to a gorgeous little girl."

A spokesperson for Sankeys said: "We are pleased the family like the headstone. We do make donations like this now and again, especially if children are involved. It is nice to give the family peace of mind. It let's people know we have got a heart and are not just a place where people come and go."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.