PREMATURE babies and their parents have celebrated the first anniversary of their local Bliss branch with a picnic in Poole Park.

The Bournemouth and Poole branch of the premature baby charity has grown considerably in a year and has built up a good relationship with Poole Neonatal Unit.

Each parent with a baby in the specialist unit is now offered a copy of the newsletter giving them information about the local Bliss support group.

Bliss secretary, Rachael Ogden, said: "We're delighted with the response from the neonatal unit.

"We have been made very welcome and able to take in chocolates and cards for Mother's and Father's Day this year.

"The newsletter allows us to pass on valuable information and support to parents at a very vulnerable time.

"Many parents can feel isolated as it can be a very traumatic time. My son was born at 28 weeks and was in the Poole unit for nine weeks.

"I'm so grateful for the kindness and treatment we received that I wanted to give something back and to help other parents in the future."