A SPECIAL memorial garden is to open to give parents the chance to reflect on the lives of their lost babies and young children.

The Rosebud Baby Garden, at Fox Covert cemetery on Red Lane in Appleton, will open on Sunday March 25 with a special service between 3pm and 4pm.

Families and friends are invited to attend the opening ceremony, led by the Reverend Stephen Kingsnorth, with Father Christopher Cunningham and the Reverend Tom Owen.

The ceremony will give people the chance to remember and reflect on the lives of babies and children and pray from those people who are unable to experience the joy of parenthood or who have been affected by the hospital retention of organs scandal.

Warrington's Mayor, Clr Sheila Woodyatt MBE will plant a special rose bush called 'Remember Me' and guests will be offered wild flower seeds to scatter in the flower garden.

Clr Mike Hannon, chair of the community services and housing committee, said: "To lose a family member or friend at any age can be extremely upsetting and we hope the memorial service on March 25 will give parents a chance to reflect on the lives of their own lost ones.

"The Rosebud Baby Garden will be a special place solely dedicated to remembering those babies or young children who lost their lives at such an early age."

The garden is Warrington's second burial area for babies and young children. Its opening on Mothers' Day also marks the anniversary of the town's first baby garden, the Forget-me-Not garden at Warrington cemetery.

Anyone who requires further information on the ceremony or the garden can contact the council's bereavement service on 267731 or via e-mail at bereavementservices@warrington.gov.uk