Tears of happiness were shed at the first meeting of a children’s bereavement group set up by a mum in memory of her daughter.

Sam’s Angels, which launched at Ardrossan Whitlees Centre last week, saw children release balloons into the sky in honour of lost loved ones. The night also raised £87 for the new group through a raffle and cake sale.

As the Herald recently reported, Barbara Henry has been looking after her granddaughter Paige for the last three years after the sudden death of her daughter Samantha.

Barbara was disheartened at the lack of bereavement support for young children in North Ayrshire and so, with the help of five-year-old Paige, set up Sam’s Angels for bereaved children under 10.

Barbara said: “It was a really, really good night. It was very emotional, with sad and happy tears. The kids all enjoyed it.

“Julie from the Whitlees Centre got the kids all balloons and they all sent them up to heaven. See their wee faces when they set them off, it was lovely. My granddaughter did the countdown and then she said: ‘Go Sam’s Angels’ and they let them go.

“Paige had a good time and it was nice to see her mix with kids who have lost someone as well.

“There was about half a dozen [kids there]. I want to start small and then see how it goes. They all seemed to bond really well. We had arts and crafts for them and they sat at the table all colouring in. It was a sad and emotional night but with happy tears.”

Barbara wishes to thank all the local businesses that donated to the raffle or that have offered support.

Sam’s Angels is free to attend and meets every second Tuesday in Whitlees Community Centre from 5.45-6.45pm. Juice and crisps provided. Contact the centre for information.