MANY will be familiar with a very sad event which happened in Crediton at Michealmas in 1988.

The body of a dead baby boy was found in a plastic carrier bag hanging from the railings between Crediton Parish Church churchyard and the church car park.

Despite exhaustive investigations his mother was never traced.

A funeral service was conducted by then Crediton Rector, the Revd Anthony Geering.

The burial took place in the church grounds, the spot being marked by an engraved tablet bearing these words: "A glimpse of heaven through a tiny soul unknown yet loved."

Over the years some members of the Crediton branch of the Mothers' Union cared for this stone, keeping it clean and trying to ensure there were always flowers placed there.

However, in recent years, the stone has weathered and deteriorated to such an extent that the wording became impossible to read.

An enquiry to Crediton monumental sculptor, Simon Stevens, of F J Stevens and Son, to ask as to the cost of cleaning the stone resulted in him very generously donating a new tablet in slate.

Crediton MU branch leader, Carole Rimmer, told the Courier: "We are very grateful to Simon for his very kind gesture.

"We felt it would be appropriate for Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie to dedicate this tablet and a number of Mothers' Union members gathered for this with prayers after our February meeting.

"One member likened it to the grave of the unknown soldier, a memorial for all infants that have died in tragic circumstances.

"Our aim will now be to care for the stone and place flowers there as often as possible."