A special garden has opened dedicated to those affected by the loss of a baby.

The memorial board was launched at the King George V Playing Fields in Sittingbourne.

Swale council worked with the East Kent Baby Memorial Garden charity to create the space.

It displays personalised terracotta tiles, featuring names and significant dates.

Those who had ordered one were invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Friday (December 13), along with anyone from the public who wanted to show their support.

The charity hosts events, spreads awareness and offers support to families.

It has more than 500 baby names recorded across locations in Ashford, Faversham and Canterbury.

The tiles for the new memorial board can be ordered from the charity’s website and cost £40.

Cllr Sarah Stephen, who represents the Woodstock ward for the Swale Independents Alliance, said: “This special project has been very close to my heart. I worked as a community midwife locally and later in London specialising in early pregnancy loss.

“I have sadly seen first-hand the emotional devastation that losing a baby has on families.

“We feel incredibly proud to have been able to create this special memorial garden working with this wonderful charity.

“It will be a very special place for the families touched by the sadness of losing a baby to visit, and remember their little ones and know that they are not alone in their grief.”

Cllr Richard Palmer, chairman of the community and leisure committee (Swale Ind), added: “I would like to thank the charity for their work and help to bring something so special to Swale.

“It is a small but meaningful way for us to show our support for those dealing with baby loss.

“The fee helps the charity continue operating and enables the creation of more memorials like this one, so get in touch with them to help remember your special baby with one of these name tiles, or if you need support.”

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Chris Twydell, volunteer treasurer for East Kent Baby Memorial Garden, said: “We are delighted that our plans have come to fruition and are so grateful to Swale council and Cllr Sarah Stephen in particular for their help and support.

“Sadly, baby loss is something that affects so many people and having this lovely new area is one way of helping local families by providing somewhere special for their very special babies.

“The tiles we offer are available to anyone to remember any baby that has passed away in any circumstances and at any time.”