Memorial made for babies buried in unmarked graves

The memorial will be installed next month on the south side of St Cuthbert's, Durham

A memorial is to be installed to commemorate babies who were buried in unmarked graves.

Three years ago, St Cuthbert’s Church on North Road, Durham, began raising funds for a special place of remembrance.

It is estimated there are dozens of babies buried in its graveyard, but no records were kept of where or when.

The church's vicar, the Reverend Canon Caroline Dick, said: "It will hopefully be a place for everyone who has experienced the loss of a child."

The Reverend Caroline Dick and other members of the project

"It all began because a number of women contacted us to explain that they had babies buried in the churchyard and asked us if we knew where they were," Ms Dick explained.

"Sadly we couldn't help, we've combed the records but there's nothing.

"So we wanted to provide a place where they could come and remember the baby that had died."

The whole project has cost more than £50,000 which has come from charities, Durham County Council and the congregation at St Cuthbert's church itself.

There is only one small plaque currently in the churchyard to babies buried in unmarked graves

The marble screen will be nearly 3ft (1m) high and will be located on the south side of St Cuthbert’s, with seating either side.

"We care deeply about the loss of any baby," Ms Dick explained.

"Without a grave it can be very difficult for families to have closure even after all this time"

The design, dominated by snowdrops and doves, is the creation of artist Lara Sparey.

The memorial will be erected in April and a special service will be held shortly after to mark its installation.