A SPECIAL memorial area has been officially unveiled in Middlesbrough for those who die in infancy.

The Baby Memorial Garden was opened at Teesside Crematorium with support from groups who work with affected families.

At the event, parents who had lost children were joined by representatives of local charity Still Parents Teesside, national stillbirth and neonatal charity Sands.

The project was inspired by national guidance from the Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management and Sands on how to improve practice around funeral arrangements for babies.

The initiative was led by Bereavement Services Manager Joanne Holroyd and Crematorium Supervisor Carolyne Reeve, with input from Sands and Still Parents.

Ms Holroyd said: “The Garden is situated next to an existing Baby Memorial Wall which seemed very appropriate. So many people have been part of this idea to create this special area – it’s been a massive journey with loads of commitment from everyone."

• Still Parents Teesside meet at the Acklam Green Centre on the second Tuesday of every month from 7pm to 9pm, offering support for anyone affected by the death of a baby during pregnancy, at birth or in the first few weeks of life.

For more information visit www.stillparentsteesside.org.uk