THE creation of a beautiful place for bereaved parents to remember their babies has received £5,000 towards its development.

Shoppers voted for the project created a baby memorial garden in the grounds of Royal Bolton Hospital from a Tesco funding scheme.

The supermarket chain has teamed up with Groundwork on its Bags of Help funding initiative, which distributes grants of up to £5,000, £2,000 and £1,000 — all raised from the 5p bag levy — being awarded to thousands of local community projects every year.

Tesco customers vote for which community project they would like to get the £5000 top award.

The garden at the Royal Bolton Hospital has been chosen as a local winner.

Andy Lee, fundraiser at the hospital, said: "This is a project for the community, being created by many community groups so it is particularly fitting that local people voted to give it this award. We’re grateful to them and also to Tesco and Groundwork for the opportunity."

The money will go towards creating a new £10,000 garden which will enhance a previous small memorial area, and is being created with input from donations, volunteers, support from local businesses, students from the University of Bolton, hospital staff and some bereaved parents.

At the moment ashes of babies who do not survive are scattered in a rose garden at the hospital, but now work to transform the area into a special garden where families can sit and remember their lost children is underway.

The landscaping and planting is designed to provide a tranquil area for reflection with seating, artwork designed by the winner of a competition at the university, and will incorporate commemorative plaques which can be purchased by families.

Lindsey Crompton, Tesco’s Head of Community, said: "The great thing about Bags of Help is that local people are invited to decide how the money will be spent in their community. We can’t wait to see the projects come to life."