Initial work has started on a lasting memorial to more than 2,000 babies buried in mass graves.

For decades, stillborn babies were laid to rest in plots of up to 60 at Linthorpe Cemetery, in Middlesbrough. The practice, which ceased in the 1970s, stemmed from hospitals' belief that they were sparing their unwitting families grief.

It was only recently, following inquiries from parents who had never forgotten their babies, that they made the shocking discovery of what happened.

Upon request, Middlesbrough Council began marking graves with numbers, but parents felt that this was not enough, and demanded a proper memorial for the area of Linthorpe Cemetery known as Pauper's Corner.

Peter Gitsham, the council's bereavement services manager, said progress is now being made: "We have planted up all the graves in this section and edged and turfed the whole area," he said.

"We have also placed litter bins there and made a temporary path, which has considerably improved it.

"Our architects are drawing up proposals for a communal memorial which we will be consulting parents on when we have two or three designs."

The council has already made moves towards buying land behind the graves, which belonged to the former West Lane Hospital, as a site for the memorial.

It has agreed to contribute £5,000, with another £5,000 promised from the hospitals' trust, and further offers of cash from local undertakers.

Mr Gitsham said: "We are thinking of putting a path from the central memorial along the two sides of the 'L' shape formed by the graves.

"The central feature could be a sculpture, a carving on a stone, an open hand with a baby in it or anything. We are looking to mark each grave with a smaller version of it.

"There may also be a small wall on which there could be vases and room for plaques."

Mr Gitsham said he hopes the plans will be ready for the cemetery's carol service, on December 9, when they will be displayed in the lodge.

He said: "We would like to start in January and the work could be finished by March."