A NEW sculpture has been installed at Royal Bolton Hospital’s baby memorial garden after the original one was destroyed by vandals.

The original sculpture was installed in 2017 when the garden was re-opened after being renovated.

It featured a tree with the parents’ hands clasped in the form of wings and a clear sphere with a butterfly inside. Parents visiting the garden could also leave messages on pebbles in remembrance of their child, placed around the base.

The sculpture was created by Victoria Lynch who won a competition for art students at the University of Bolton.

But between the garden re-opening and March 2019, vandals damaged the sculpture on three separate occasions. On the third and final occasion the damage was so bad it couldn't be repaired and the sculpture was removed from the garden.

Now, a new sculpture has been made by Blackrod-based stonemasons H and S Fishwick, using a donation from Greenhalgh’s Bakery. It incorporates butterflies and handprints which were motifs in the original one and its globe.

It has been installed just in time for the Wave of Light service in the garden, which takes place at 6.30 pm tonight.

Rev. Catherine Binns, deputy head chaplain at NHS Bolton Foundation Trust, said: “Everyone was shocked and upset when the first sculpture was vandalised so we’re really pleased to have this new one.

"We’re very grateful to Greenhalgh’s and Fishwick’s for the donation and work that has gone into making this beautiful replacement.”