A special Christmas service to remember children who were stillborn or who died soon after birth is being held in Norwich.

The service will be at Colney Woodland Burial Park on Friday and is one of nine Lights of Love services across the country being organised by Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity,

Twenty-nine-year-old Hannah Ryan, from Cawston, whose daughter Lily was stillborn in November 2007, is organising the first Norwich service for Norfolk Sands, and she said she hoped it would give people a time of peace and reflection and an opportunity to cherish the short time they had with their baby.

She said: 'It was close to Christmas when I lost Lily and Sands were very supportive. I was based in London and went to a service there.

'It was incredibly special and moving and it really helped me.

'It was being around other people who understand and who also are able to appreciate how Christmas is really difficult.'

The service will include traditional carols, readings and music, and people will be able to sponsor a light on the Lights of Love Christmas tree and add a special message in memory of their son or daughter.

The service is at Colney Woodland Burial Park, in Watton Road, on Friday at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome.

For more about Norfolk Sands and how the charity supports bereaved families visit www.norfolksands.org.uk

Are you holding an event in tribute to someone? Email reporter Emma Knights at emma.knights@archant.co.uk