A POIGNANT butterfly release has been held at Airedale Hospital.

It was part of an initiative supporting grieving families that have lost babies.

More than 100 people – adults and children(including Ada Davis, four) – took part in the event, in the Steeton hospital’s Sunbeam Garden.

Behind the venture was SiMBA, a charity which helps families gather precious memories of the short time they had with their baby and offers ongoing support.

The Scotland-based organisation is holding 11 events this year– and the Airedale gathering was its first south of the border.

Sara Fitzsimmons, chief executive officer of SiMBA, said: “Our butterfly releases encourage families to come together in a gentle way.”