A new group, to support birth mothers whose children have been removed from their care and placed for adoption, has opened in Luton.

The monthly group has been set up by Luton Borough Council social services, Bedfordshire County Council and St Francis Children's Society.

One of the women attending the group, Kerrie, said that going to the group meetings had helped her come to terms with her loss.

"I was very scared about going at first because I wasn't expecting anyone to listen or to understand," she said. "However, I was very wrong.

"They were listening to me and they did understand, mainly because they were women (birth mothers) who more or less had been through the same thing as myself.

"I was glad I went because it has made me feel better inside. I'm no longer bottling it all up. I'm able to talk about it and that's what makes me feel better."

Those interested in going along can drop in today at Luton Voluntary Action, Redcliff House, Mill Street between 10am-noon or phone Jill Bliss at Luton Borough Council on 547802.

The next meetings are on 16th January and 13th February - same time, same place.