A PLAQUE has been unveiled in memory of stillborn babies who were buried in unmarked graves.

Simon Yates, the Mayor of Upton, officiated the ceremony at the town's cemetery, in Rectory Road, in July.

A tree and rose bushes were also planted in the Children's Memorial Garden, in memory of the babies who died.

Cllr Shirley Dobbin, who sits on Upton Town Council, said: "These graves were over 80 -years-old and were graves of stillborn babies.

"Apparently this came to light a few years ago by a lady that came looking for the grave of her stillborn brother.

"The lady was in her 80s and she came to visit the grave, only to find that it was covered with top soil dug out from the graves and dead flowers from other memorials.

"This story pulled at my heart strings as knowing of some friends and colleagues who have lost children it didn't seem right that the baby graves were unmarked."

The commemorative stone was donated by E B Memorials, a masonry company, and Malcolm J Presland Funeral Directors.

A bench dedicated to local fundraiser Daisy Souza was also moved across town and placed in the cemetery.

Cllr Dobbin added: "The area now looks like a lovely place to come and sit and reflect on life in a really peaceful memorial garden, which is what we wanted to achieve for all those babies buried there."

Cllr Betty Williams, also of Upton Town Council, said: "Years ago losing a baby was a terrible thing.

"Today it's a terrible thing but in those days the world was hushed up more.

"I think everybody needs to be remembered. There's 15 babies buried there. There's records at the town hall.

"We [Upton Town Council] had some slabs put down and put the bench up there.

"The Hot Peppers Women's Institute bought a tree to put there. The council bought three rose bushes.

"It brightens it up a bit. It looks a bit more cared for and loved."

Cllr Williams said babies have been buried in the graves since the start of 20th century.