Shropshire Council has apologised to bereaved families following an inquiry into why they did not receive their babies' ashes.

At least 60 families are believed to have been affected by failures at Shrewsbury's Emstrey crematorium between 1996 and 2012.

A report commissioned by the council concluded that poor training and out-of-date equipment were mainly to blame.

Clive Wright, chief executive of Shropshire Council, said: 'On behalf of Shropshire Council I would like to offer my sympathy and sincere apologies to all bereaved families for the distress they have suffered following the cremation of their baby or child at Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury.

'Shropshire Council agreed to commission an independent inquiry into infant cremations at Emstrey just over 12 months ago, at the request of bereaved parents.

'I particularly wish to mention those families who have contributed to this inquiry. There can surely be nothing worse than losing a child and I’m sure that reliving their painful experiences has not been easy.

'I realise that the past year has been very difficult for these families and I wish to thank them for their co-operation with the inquiry and for their contribution to the report.'

The inquiry team called for the creation of a national inspector for crematoriums.

David Jenkins, who led the independent inquiry, said he had been 'struck by the absence of authoritative national guidance'.

He recommended the government appoint an independent inspector to oversee standards across England.