A ribbon display has been put up outside Stoke-on-Trent's Civic Centre to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has joined forces with the STILL support group for the fourth year to mark the week (9 to 15 October).

Now in its 24th year, Baby Loss Awareness Week is led by SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) and raises awareness of pregnancy and baby loss.

Alongside the ribbon display, there will also be a Wave of Light service at Stoke Minster on Thursday (15 October).

Sam Jackson, Baby Loss Awareness Week co-ordinator, said: "It is an honour and a privilege to plan such an important event for our city.

"This is our fourth year working alongside Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Sands and Stoke Minster to bring the Ribbon Display to our community, and once again the railings are filled with the names of babies and children we hold forever in our hearts.

"We look forward to welcoming families to our Wave of Light service on Thursday 15 October at 6pm at Stoke Minster.

"None of this would be possible without the incredible support of families across Staffordshire, who stand with us, remember with us, and help us keep this space of love and remembrance alive."

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The week aims to provide families with opportunities to share their experiences, provide support and remember babies who are no longer with us.

It also highlights the vital work that support services and health professionals provide to help families receive the support and understanding they need.

Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children's services, said: "Baby loss is something that is often very difficult to talk about and my heartfelt condolences go out to anyone who has experienced this grief.

"The work of groups like STILL is so important, as many people feel alone and need support. This ribbon display is a way of coming together as a local community to remember babies we have lost."

Residents can join the Wave of Light by lighting a candle at 7pm on Thursday 15 October.

The city council has directed anyone struggling or in need of support to find help at the Baby Loss Awareness website here.

Residents can also visit the Stoke Community Directory here, where there are details of local organisations that provide bereavement support.