A REGIONAL special care baby unit is thousands of pounds better off today thanks to the efforts of charity cyclists.

The Neonatal Unit at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, will be able to place an order for equipment to provide intensive care for premature babies.

One hundred and seventy seven riders of all ages and levels of experience yesterday took part in a 30-mile ride in North Yorkshire. Proceeds will pay for a £5,000 advanced infant flow driver, which provides lifesaving support to babies with breathing difficulties.

The hospital unit is equipped with eight intensive care and 12 high-dependency and special care cots, and is staffed by a team of neonatal nurses and medical staff.

It deals with about 380 admissions a year from all over the North-East and North Yorkshire.

It also provides an integrated neonatal transport team, which helps move babies needing intensive care to and from the unit, before and after surgery.

Unit manager Martin Boyd, who took part in the ride, said: "The turnout has been fantastic. It really is humbling to see that so many people care.

"The money will make a real difference to sick and premature babies."

The bike ride has become an annual event for charity and in six years has raised more than £60,000.

Riders took a circular route from Stokesley, up Clay Bank, to Great Broughton, Carlton and Hutton Rudby.

Paul Macintosh, who organises the event with Steve Emmerson and Chris Hugill, said: "It started with some friends talking about a little girl who was poorly and they were trying to raise money for her.

"I said I would do a bike ride to help, but before I knew it I was organising a charity ride for everyone.

"This year has been the best yet and the turnout has been excellent."