FORMER midwives in North Yorkshire are being encouraged to return to the profession to solve a recruitment crisis in the maternity service.

The Return to Midwifery programme, for former midwives whose registration has lapsed, starts at York University's health sciences department in October.

Participants can enrol as full or part-time students. Study days are at the university, but midwifery experience can be gained locally.

The programme is free and participants will also receive a £1,500 grant for study and travel costs, as well as help towards child care costs. For details call (01904) 321318.