Venues across Burnham-on-Crouch and the Dengie put on special displays last week to raise awareness of baby loss, thanks to the efforts of residents.

St Leonards C of E Church, in Southminster, opened its doors on Friday (15 October) to those wishing to pay tribute to their babies.

Jessika, one of the organisers of the display, decided she wanted to mark the week in the town after losing her baby daughter.

She said: "I had a loss three weeks ago - this encouraged me to reach out to others and raise awareness of baby loss.

"My friend Jessica Russell has been so supportive, and we discussed doing something for baby loss."

This prompted Jessica to contact St Leonards Church to ask if they could put on a special display to show support for bereaved families.

Jessica, who owns online baby clothing shop Bunny and Bears, said: "I thought it would be lovely for the parents who have suffered such loss to see that they are not alone - that it's OK for mums and dads to talk and to grieve.

"Their babies are just as loved and remembered as all other babies."

The women added pink and blue ribbons with the names of babies lost in pregnancy or soon after birth to the gates of the church, and encouraged other parents to come down to add their babies' names.

They also held a Wave of Light ceremony at 7pm in the evening at the church, where residents came together to light candles in tribute to babies that have died too soon.

Jessica said: "The reverend was so kind and opened the church for anyone who wanted to light a candle and remember their babies."

Baby Loss Awareness Week ran from Saturday 9 to Friday 15 October this year.

Landmarks, businesses and homes across the country lit up in pink and blue for the week, in efforts to support grieving parents and unite them with families across the world to pay tribute to their babies and raise awareness of baby loss, which affects one in four pregnancies.

Businesses in Burnham-on-Crouch also put on special displays for the week.

Emilie Maisie Martin, who runs small balloon business flowerlove_kbh alongside Emma Barringer, said: "We made mini blue and pink garlands for local businesses."

Arts and crafts shop Pelican Prints and the Ground Coffee House both displayed the garlands, alongside pink and blue lights, to raise awareness of baby loss and get residents talking.

Emilie and Emma also gave a garland to St Leonards Church for its display on Friday.

After coming together to raise awareness of baby loss this year, residents are planning to continue their support for eachother and bereaved families in the district.

Jessika said: "We did this to raise awareness of baby loss but also for our own losses, and to bring the baby loss community together."

She added: "We are in the process of creating a safe space for all parents within the area."

You can read about Maldon's tribute to Baby Loss Awareness Week, led by parents Abby and Dave Ridgewell, here.

To find support if you have experienced baby loss, more information on how to get involved in raising awareness and to donate, visit Baby Loss Awareness Week's website here.