VOLUNTEERS who support parents of babies in Airedale Hospital's neo-natal unit have marked a special day.

The Bliss group held two fundraising events to celebrate World Prematurity Day, which champions quality care for premature babies.

A bake sale at the hospital raised £316 and a Little Superheroes party for children and their parents took place at the Hub in Steeton. It was sponsored by the Michael Eyres Partnership and Adept CSCE.

Among those who volunteer on the unit is Alex Wright, whose six-year-old son Luke was born prematurely.

"If your baby is born prematurely or is sick it is a situation you hadn't anticipated and can be a frightening and confusing time," she said.

"Parents often feel powerless and unsure what to do for the best.

"For new mums in particular, they are coping with the fact that their body is recovering from delivery, their hormones are surging and they just want to feed, hold and bond with their baby.

"It's a unique, difficult situation so we try to provide a safe haven for parents, to help them to get through and give them back some control."

Teresa Mamwell, unit co-ordinator, pays tribute to the volunteers.

"We are so grateful for the fabulous work they do to enhance our parents' and babies' experience whilst on the unit," she said.

"They are an invaluable part of the team and dedicate many hours of their personal time to support parents through a very difficult period."

The Bliss team also runs a support group at Strong Close Children's Centre, Keighley, from 10am to 11.30am on the last Wednesday of every month.

Visit the Bliss Airedale Facebook page for more details.