PRAYERS were said on Tuesday morning for the soul of tragic baby Callum as the town remembered every youngster who had lost the fight for life at an early age.

In a quiet corner of Warrington's Manchester Road cemetery, the infant, whose life was cruelly snuffed out just days after he was born, now rests in peace.

The tiny gravestone, adorned by the image of a watchful shepherd, is just one of many last testaments to stillborn babies and neo-natal deaths.

And Rev Mark Chilcott, who conducted the baby's funeral at Warrington Parish Church, a year ago this week, had that firmly in mind as he performed an officially dedication near to Callum's plot.

New tributes, in the form of tiny teddies, were laid at the graveside by young worshippers from St Philip's CE Church at Westbrook.

The heartfelt donation was part of the continuing pledge by the people of Westbrook and Callands to keep Callum's plight close to their hearts. Young flute player Catherine Bentley also performed at the ceremony.

Mr Chilcott, now minister for St James CE Church Westbrook, said: "We wanted to dedicate this place to Callum with simple prayers and gestures."

Mayor and Mayoress Clr Tom and Mrs Renee Swift were on hand as well to lay a posy of flowers on behalf of the town and undertaker Harry Taylor paid his own tribute.

The address was given by Nicky Lees, a lay reader at St Philip's, and police chaplain Rev Norman Huyton was also in attendance to hear a selection of hymns and readings.

Parents who have endured the nightmare of coping with stillborn and neo-natal deaths were in the thoughts of organisers too with special displays provided on plans for baby gardens at Warrington and Fox Covert cemeteries.

Cash left over from a massive community fundraising campaign will be put towards a bronze statue for the gardens.

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