Staff at a Baldock-based funeral home organised a clothing drive in partnership with The Olive Branch Network, which works to support vulnerable families who are expecting.

The charity drive was launched by Shires in June – which received 15 bags of clothing, three Moses baskets, baby baths and seats, toiletries for both mother and baby and a carry cot in just four weeks thanks to Letchworth and Baldock residents.

The Hertfordshire-wide charity is made up of volunteers who support vulnerable families to ensure each child’s arrival is celebrated. Families are referred by health and social care workers and the charity put together a newborn pack for families.

Founder of The Olive Branch Network Seji Yusuff said: “I am overwhelmed by the generosity people have shown.

“The families that have used our services have been taken aback by the thought that strangers would care for them in such an enormous way – they have felt appreciated, loved and not alone in their difficulties.”