A DORCHESTER family who will be forever grateful to Dorset County Hospital's Special Care Baby Unit are hoping to add a little festive cheer to the ward this Christmas.

The family of little Swanley Coleman have been avid supporters of the SCBU following the amazing care the youngster received when he was born nine weeks early in January last year.

Swanley spent five weeks at the unit and faced several complications but thanks to the care of the staff there he made a full recovery.

His family have since held a major fundraising event at the Corn Exchange to support the SCBU and have also made special deliveries at Christmas and Easter.

For this Christmas they have delivered a special handmade advent calendar.

Made by Caroline Bascombe, in each of the 24 pockets there is a specially knitted little angel for the babies.

In special bags for each day there is also a symbolic Christmas decoration for the patents with an inspirational motto penned by Swanley's grandmother Anita Harries.

Anita, who is mayoress of Dorchester, said that the family just wanted to give parents and babies at the unit over the festive period a little something to brighten up their time and she hoped the handmade touches from people who had experienced what they were going through it, and come out the other side, would offer inspiration.

She said: "It's a distressing time for families, as I know because I had mu grandson in there, and hopefully this is a nice little touch in the lead up to Christmas.

"It will just be nice for people to know there is somebody who is thinking of them and somebody who has been through it and come out the other end.

"Hope is what they need."

Anita said she had nothing but praise for the amazing staff at the SCBU.

She said: "They are amazing at that unit, I couldn't fault them in any way."