The number of families seeking compensation over the baby ashes scandal in Aberdeen has soared.

Law firm Thompsons now represents 67 families, up from 21 since the council announced plans to compensate parents last month.

A national inquiry uncovered evidence babies were cremated alongside adults in Aberdeen for years, a practice described as "unethical and abhorrent".

It followed revelations about Mortonhall Crematorium in Edinburgh, where staff had secretly buried the ashes of babies.

The window for families in Aberdeen to claim compensation is due to close on February 1.

Thompsons lawyer Patrick McGuire said: "We've now been contacted by a huge number of parents. We originally represented 21 families but that figure has now risen to 67.

"I have rarely seen such a large amount of people contacting us in short space of time.

"I think what this actually shows the amount of families in the Aberdeen area which have been touched by this scandal and have suffered in silence. They no longer need to do that."

A service was held for families affected by the scandal in November and Aberdeen City Council intends to create a memorial.