FAMILIES have raised more than £1,000 to thank the hospital staff who saved the lives of their babies.

A series of fundraising events centred around the Cricket Club in Quaking Houses, near Stanley, drew to a close at the weekend.

The cash will be split between the special care baby units at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, and James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

Sonya Burnett, 26, of Sunny Terrace, Stanley, who twice nearly lost son Jack when she went into premature labour, said: "We have raised more than £1,000, which is brilliant.

"This money will mean that other families will also have a reason to thank the special baby units."

Others who helped arrange the activities included her sister-in-law Ann Burnett, of Burnhope, whose daughter, Codie, was 16 weeks premature and weighed only 1lb 10oz, and friend Sarah Kay, 24, of Quaking Houses, whose six-month-old son, William, stopped breathing when he was born.

Events included a carnival, family sports day, car boot and table-top sale and a quiz night. Youngsters took part in a sponsored bag pack at Asda store in Stanley.

A pushchair walk and children's bike ride from Stanley to the Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street will take place next month. Cheques will be handed over at a presentation night in the cricket club on Saturday, September 11, at 7.30pm.