There is an air of excitement among midwives at Helme Chase Maternity Unit as they prepare to run the popular unit themselves from tomorrow (Saturday).

Senior midwife Angela Oxley told the Gazette: "We are really excited, pretty positive.

We've just finished doing all our guidelines, which has been a mammoth task, but that's been very positive.

"The other thing that goes along with being a midwife-led unit is the increase in community work.

We've organised new cars to go out into the community because that's where women want to see us - they don't want to keep trailing in to hospital.

We've increased the number of clinics in GP surgeries, working closely with GPs to develop ante natal care in the community."

The changes follow a controversial consultation exercise over Helme Chase's future, which included an option to shut the unit.

Around 2,000 supporters turned out on Kendal' s streets in January to oppose closure, and to back maintaining as many services as possible.

However, Caesarean sections have now ended at Helme Chase, which disappointed midwives and women.

A car boot sale to raise money for the new birthing room at Helme Chase is being held at Kendal Rugby Club on Sunday by the League of Friends of Helme Chase.

For the full story see this week's Gazette.