A community has rallied to help a young mum as her newborn baby battles for life.

Sienna Rose Young was born eight weeks premature weighing only 3lb 1oz and has undergone life-saving surgery to remove part of an infected bowel.

Her mum Romi-Jane Young, a former Accrington Carnival Queen, has been at her daughter’s bedside since her birth two weeks ago.

Members of the Hyndburn community have rallied around to help the family during their troubled times.

A collection raised £145 at the hen party of a family friend over the weekend while others have collected money from shoppers in the town centre.

An event has also been organised at the Stanley Street Club in Accrington to help the family.

Romi-Jane’s mum Tracey, 46, said they have all been touched by the public’s support.

The first-time grandmother said: "It’s incredible how everyone has pooled together to support Romi and Sienna."

Sienna was born by Caesarean on Thursday, February 9 at Burnley General Hospital. The bowel infection did not surface until a few days later.

Sienna is currently described as being in a critical condition after being taken to St Mary's Hospital in Manchester on Friday, February 17 and underwent surgery on Sunday, February 19.

Tracey said: "She lost half her bowel. She is stable at the minute but we are waiting and hoping. She is going to be in hospital for the next couple of months.We had a blessing for her while she was still in hospital in Burnley. Romi is doing really well with everything. She has bought a book to read to Sienna so she can spend time with her."

Romi-Jane, who works as a support worker at GS Social Care, said: "Thanks to everyone who has been supporting us while Sienna is in hospital."

Members of the Accrington Lions Club, of which Romi-Jane is a member, were due to meet on Thursday, February 23 to discuss how they were going to support the mum and her baby.

The Stanley Street Club in Accrington is hosting a fundraising night on Friday, February 24 for Romi-Jane and Sienna.

The event takes place from 8pm to 11.30pm.