Survival rates for babies across the district are improving, but up to 70 are still dying each year, a meeting heard.

The figures contained in a new report by the Council's director of public health, Anita Parkin, and Kath Tunstall, the strategic director of children’s services, show that for the latest recorded period - 2009/2011 - the mortality rate for infants before their first birthday was 7.5 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Although this is higher than both the national and regional average, it continues a downward trend since 2005.

The figures were presented to the Council’s executive yesterday.

While Council leader David Green, congratulated all those involved on their achievement, its deputy leader urged them not to get complacent.

Councillor Imran Hussain said: “We need to keep the pressure on and we need to drive this forward.”