St Albans Cathedral is lighting up is West End façade in pink and blue to raise awareness of pregnancy and baby loss during Baby Loss Awareness Week.

The annual awareness week, now in its 17th year, is an opportunity for bereaved parents, families and friends to commemorate babies' lives and break the silence around pregnancy and baby loss in the UK.

The lighting up of the West End will take place every evening during Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs from last Wednesday through to Tuesday.

Cathedral sub dean Abi Thompson said: "For the past few years the Cathedral has lit up at night in pink and blue in support of Baby Loss Awareness week. We hope the lights are a reminder to people who have suffered such a terrible loss that there are friends and supporters all around.

"Prayers will be said at evensong throughout the week, and anybody who would like to come to the Cathedral to light a candle in memory of a lost child is most warmly welcome. You are also welcome to request a meeting with one of our clergy team for prayer and conversation if this would be helpful."

Clea Harmer, chief executive of SANDS (Stillbirth And Neonatal Death charity), said: "Baby Loss Awareness Week is a unique opportunity for parents to commemorate their babies who died, and I hope St Albans Cathedral will help bereaved families in St Albans feel less isolated and alone in their grief.

"Pregnancy loss or the death of a baby is a tragedy that affects thousands of people every year. It is devastating for parents and families and it's vital they get the bereavement support and care they need, for as long as they need it."

A Wave of Light event is also taking place at Gadebridge Park in Hemel Hempstead at 6.30pm on October 15 - International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

Families are invited to light a candle or lantern and walk from the memorial to the baby memorial garden for selected readings, poems and time for personal reflection.

The garden was created by Hemel and St Albans SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) in partnership with Dacorum Borough Council, and opened in 2004.

For further information about Baby Loss Awareness Week visit www.babyloss-awareness.org