THIS is the baby left abandoned in a hedgerow near Purton. The week-old child is continuing to be cared for by nurses at Princess Margaret Hospital.

His mother, a 21-year-old from Reading, came forward following appeals from the police.

After talking to officers and undergoing a medical examination she has been released into the care of her family.

Det Insp Bob Hamlin from Chippenham CID said: "The main thing is the baby is safe and well and the mother is safe.

"We have to look at the best interests of both of them."

The child, who was discovered on a farm track in the Pavenhill area on Friday, was treated for slight sunburn.

He was found in a car seat cuddling a teddy bear. Nappies and wipes had been left nearby.

The child, who has not yet been named, is subject to a police protection order that gives joint responsibility to the police and social services.