Tiny baby Huxley is among 23,000 premature tots expected to benefit from a major donation of much-needed clothing.

Tesco is sending packs of essential garments for newborns – including sleepsuits, hats and scratch mitts – to every neonatal unit in England, with distribution arranged by the Salvation Army.

Around half of all babies born prematurely this year are expected to receive a set.

Huxley, now four and a half months old, arrived more than two months ahead of schedule at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

His mum Zoe Redford, 27, said the donated clothing would be “crucial” for many parents, who often struggle to find clothes that fit premature babies.

She said: “It was such a big milestone for us to be able to put him in clothes after seven weeks.

“As the baby clothing has Velcro fittings it makes dressing and undressing the baby easier.

“It’s so great that Tesco produces premature baby clothing to fit tiny newborns.”

Around eight in every 100 babies arrive prematurely, before the 37th week of pregnancy.

They need specialist care in neonatal units and some have health problems because their organs have not fully developed.

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said having an early birth “can be a really worrying time for so many”.

She added: “These clothing packs could make a huge difference to tens of thousands of babies and their families who need it most over the next year, and we are extremely grateful to Tesco, and to the Salvation Army, for making this possible.”

Jan Marchant, Tesco’s managing director of home and clothing, said: “Premature babies are often unexpected, and it can be difficult to find clothing items to fit at such short notice.

“We want to provide practical help to mums and dads at a stressful time and help give the babies a stronger start in life.”