A WOMAN laid off from her job just weeks before her baby's birth has reason to thank her former workmates.

The 120 workers laid off from Express Dairies, in Durham City, last November donated their social fund money to the University Hospital of Durham's neo-natal unit where Gail Parr's baby was born.

"It came to more than £1,500 and they agreed to do it because they knew I was going to give birth there," said Ms Parr, of Pelton, near Chester-le-Street.

"The staff at the unit said it was all going to be used wisely and I'm just really proud of everyone who donated their share of the money."