RHYL will be lit up today as a mark of respect for premature babies born across the world.

Staff from Glan Clwyd Hospital’s neonatal unit have teamed up with Denbighshire County Council to illuminate Rhyl landmarks for World Prematurity Day.

The town’s Sky Tower and Pont y Ddraig Harbour Bridge will both be bathed in purple light to raise awareness of the impact premature birth can have on families.

Today also marks the first anniversary of the formation of Neomates North Wales, a support group for the families of babies cared for in neonatal units in Glan Clwyd Hospital, Wrexham Maelor and Ysbyty Gwynedd.

Over the last year, more than 220 people have joined the group, which provides an opportunity to share experiences and advice with other families of poorly babies.

A special Neomates party will take place at the new neonatal unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital today from 10am until noon, to celebrate the one-year anniversary.

The group was started by colleagues Nia Jones and Julia Davies, from the neonatal unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

Julia said: “We launched the group on World Prematurity Day last year, and have had a brilliant first year, with a much bigger response than we had expected.

“It’s brilliant that there’s a community of families from across North Wales ready to offer support to each other.”

Catrin O’Hara, whose twins Jack and Lucy were cared for on the unit at Glan Clwyd Hospital, said: “Neomates has given me the chance to meet others who understand our journey.

“Without Neomates, parents like myself could feel lost and overwhelmed by the barriers we’ve had to face.”