Mums can look forward to giving birth in purpose-built facilities now that a new maternity unit is up and running at Airedale Hospital.

The Airedale Birthing Centre was officially opened by TV weather forecaster and mum-to-be Lisa Gallagher and Cathy Warwick, who is chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives.

Guests toured the facility during the event yesterday afternoon.

Ms Warwick said: “I am thrilled to be invited to open the new unit. This is an addition which I am sure will be welcomed by women in the area because it offers them more choice about how and where they give birth.

“The trust and the midwifery team should be applauded for this enhancement to their maternity service.”

The centre has four individual birthing suites, each with a private decked patio as well as state-of-the-art birthing equipment.