MIDWIVES are working to reduce the risk of cot death by supporting this year's national Baby Safety Week.

The campaign runs until Saturday and midwives in York Hospital have put up displays in the maternity unit and hospital corridors.

The posters highlight key messages about how to prevent cot death, including how to lay a baby on its back and the dangers of smoking.

Margaret Jackson, head of midwifery at York Health Services NHS Trust, said: "Cot death claims the lives of seven babies each week in the UK, so it is important that we do everything we can to raise awareness in the local community."

Leaflets and other literature will be available from the maternity ward.

For information about cot death, call 0870 787 0554.