CUSTOMERS at a beauty salon have been helping local mothers-to-be by taking part in a novel competition.

Salon owner Jane Cucurullo, from Brompton, Northallerton, wanted to thank community midwifes who looked after her when she was pregnant with her daughter, Rosa, now aged 15 months.

She asked clients visiting her salon, Merryweathers, in Northallerton, to guess the sex and date of birth of her baby.

Five people got it right, winning a facial and a back massage, and helping to raise £300.

The community midwives, based at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, visit mothers-to-be at home and at GP antenatal clinics in the town.

The money paid for three machines that aid pain relief during labour mean and means women can remain longer in the comfort of their homes.

Midwife Pat Robinson said: "Lots of women will benefit from using the machines in future and will help to enhance the service we provide."

Jane said: "I found it really useful to have the midwives on hand to give me support and advice when I was expecting Rosa."