TELEVISION and radio personality Gloria Hunniford will help launch a campaign to create a children's memorial garden at the Kent and Sussex Crematorium at Tunbridge Wells.

The £62,000 project is being masterminded by the local branch of SANDS (Still Birth and Neonatal Death Society).

Tunbridge Wells council is backing the drive and has earmarked funds to support the charity which hopes to raise at least £50,000 through voluntary efforts.

The garden will be of long term benefit to parents and relatives of babies and children who have died, giving them a peaceful setting in which to remember their loved ones.

The garden has been designed by SANDS member Panetta Horn and the detailed plans are being drawn up by the borough council's architect.

It will be landscaped and a central sculpture will be the focal point of the design. It is hoped the garden will be completed by early 2004.

The SANDS fundraising campaign will be officially launched by Gloria Hunniford, a long time supporter of the charity, at Matfield Post Office on Wednesday, September 17, at 11am.