Watford Hospital’s annual service of remembrance for babies and children who have died before, during or after birth will take place on Sunday, May 10.

Anyone touched by such circumstances is invited to attend, along with friends and other family members, the service at St Andrew’s Church, Park Road, from 3pm.

The remembrance often attracts those who suffered a recent experience of loss, but people remembering babies who died many years ago are also welcome.

Those who attend the service will light remembrance candles, read out the names of their loved ones, hear reflections of people’s experiences and pray quietly.

The ceremony will be led by Doug Loveridge, the spiritual and pastoral care manager at Watford Hospital, and Ian Pankhurst, the vicar of St Andrews.

Mr Loveridge 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 more information contact 01923 217994.