The annual Service of Remembrance for babies and children who have died before, during or after birth will be held at St Andrew’s Church, Park Road, Watford, at 3pm on Sunday 11.

Anyone touched by such circumstances will be welcome to attend, along with friends and other family members.

Along with those who have recently lost a child in this manner, the service will remember infants lost many years ago when such loss was often unacknowledged. 

During the service, which is organised by Watford General Hospital, remembrance candles will be lit and names of loved ones read out.

Visitors will also hear reflections of people’s experiences and there will be a chance for prayer and quiet contemplation.

The ceremony will be led by Doug Loveridge, the Spiritual and Pastoral Care Manager at Watford General Hospital, and Ian Pankhurst, the Vicar of St Andrews.

Doug said: "I am very aware of how difficult it is to lose a child at any stage, and I hope that this ceremony will help people to cope with their sense of loss.

"Recently I have been aware of how parents often need to feel so very close to their little ones, and this service is about knowing that we are all held in God’s hands and that we are not alone."

For further information call 01923 217994.