A SERVICE of remembrance for babies who have died before the full term of pregnancy, during birth, or within weeks of being born, will be held tomorrow.

The idea is to bring together people who have experienced the grief of losing a baby through still-birth, miscarriage, abortion, illness, cot death or any other cause.

Free Church chaplain, the Reverend Stephen Henderson, who is based at Princess Margaret Hospital, said: "We are offering people who have been affected by stillborn or neonatal death to be able to reflect on the significance of the events that have happened to them.

"This also gives them the chance to meet others who have had similar experiences, and to acknowledge that God is with them in their grief."

After the service there will be refreshments on offer, and an opportunity for people to talk to each other or, if they prefer, to quietly reflect.

The annual event, at Holy Rood Roman Catholic Church, has been running for more than 10 years. It usually attracts a congregation of 150.

Mr Henderson said that in his experience the chance to share the sense of loss with others in a similar position was a source of comfort for the families.

The service at Holy Rood Church, on Groundwell Road, starts at 3pm and is open to people of any faith.

It is expected to last three quarters of an hour and will include hymns and a reading by the Reverend John Rothwell of the Anglican Chaplaincy.

A similar service for parents who have lost babies or children is being held next month at Christ Church, Old Town.

It is being organised by Hillier Bereavement Care and will take place on Sunday, October 7, at 3pm. For more information about that service, phone Judith Hill on Swindon 845835.