Army wives stationed at Brompton Barracks released 500 balloons in memory of Baby P, the tot who was killed by his mother and her boyfriend.

The event, which took place at the Naval Memorial on the Great Lines in Gillingham at noon yesterday (Sunday), was organised to coincide with the first anniversary of the toddler s funeral.

The release was preceded by a minute of silence and a few words from Cllr Bill Esterson.

He said: When I heard the news of Baby P it immediately made me think about my own children and how easily it could have happened to them.

I adopted two children just over a year ago, Summer, aged seven, and Phoenixx, aged four, and what struck me was how much Baby P looked like my son.

From what I know about his upbringing before he was taken into care, it very easily could have been him.

Thankfully someone intervened but that didn t happen for Baby P and fit doesn t for so many others like him.

By releasing these balloons and remembering Baby P, I hope people will realise the importance of working together to make sure nothing like it ever happens in Brompton or the rest of Medway.

If you think something may be happening to a child, tell someone.

Cllr Teresa Murray was also at the launch.

She added: It s very important for people to know that they can come to us, as councillors, with their concerns. I m sure they are lots of people who knew Baby P s family who wish they had said something.

The balloon release was organised by Donna Findlater.

She said:"The story really struck a chord with many of the army wives because we are all mothers. We wanted to come together as a community to show we cared.

We also held a collection at the shops in Brompton and raised almost £100, which will be donated to the NSPCC.

The balloons were donated by Kent Balloons and the helium was donated by Fantastic Functions.