A newly married Dover woman has donated her gown to a charity to help grieving parents who have lost their baby.

Lynda Garrett, 41, of Gloster Ropewalk in Aycliffe, tied the knot with Michael, at Dover Discovery Centre on July 26.

But the mother-of-four didn’t just store her £150 dress away as a keepsake, she decided to recycle it in a way that gives stillborn babies the chance to feel everlasting love, by being wrapped or dressed in the material.

Mrs Garrett donated her frock to a charity called Angel Gowns for Angel Babies UK who collects wedding dresses from brides all over the country.

They use the various materials to make blankets, pillows and even mini garments.

It originated from Australia, and since, two national publications have featured articles about the concept.

The idea is to reassure grieving parents that their child is cherished with material that is heavily associated with love.

"It is an honour to have donated mine, if my dress brings comfort to other parents then it is worthwhile" - Dover resident, Lynda Garrett.

Mrs Garrett can relate to the pain some parents may feel, as she had a miscarriage at 20 weeks with her first son in 1990.

This happened in the Greek island of Rhodes where regulations were different. She said that she was unable to give her child a send off.

The mother-of-four said: “Sadly, abroad they deal with things differently and I was never allowed a funeral or anything for him.”

Her wedding dress, now in the hands of the seamstress, was made from pure silk and satin, with a chiffon bodice.

She continued: “The dress is donated to Angel Gowns for Angel Babies UK.

“It is then sent to a seamstress who then makes them into the angel gowns, then an angel pack, which are sent out to hospitals, social services and family liaison officers.

“I would encourage brides to do it – it is simple and a worthwhile charity. Lots of families know of the loss of a angel baby and to have that feeling that your dress will be forever keeping an angel baby safe and warm is so heartwarming.

“It is an honour to have donated mine, if my dress brings comfort to other parents then it is worthwhile.”

Mrs Garrett has become the charity’s representative for the area.

Dovorians who are willing to sew, collect, or deliver the Angel packs should contact her through Facebook.