STAFF responsible for bringing future generations into the world have had their efforts rewarded with a Government benchmark of quality.

Every year, hundreds of babies are welcomed into the world by midwives and medical staff at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

Now they have received the recognition they deserve in the form of a Charter Mark.

The award is given for excellence in service and dedication to putting customers first.

The maternity unit offers a trust-wide service and so the charter mark is shared with Darlington Memorial Hospital's maternity unit. Together they deliver about 3,000 babies a year.

Acting head of midwifery at Bishop Auckland, Val Kitching, said they try and taking the new-mothers' families into consideration and have introduced measures including altering visiting hours and setting up a maternity service liaison committee where women can voice concerns.

Marie Anderson has been a midwife at the Bishop hospital for 24-years.

She said staff aimed to make the maternity ward a home from home.

"I've seen vast amounts of changes. It's not just midwives and medical staff telling ladies what they want anymore - It's a lot more relaxed now."

The Hundens Rehabilitation Unit at Darlington, the intensive therapy unit, the coronary care unit and the cardiac rehabilitation unit at Darlington, have also been awarded the Charter Mark.