CHILDREN have helped to provide vital monitoring equipment for the antenatal clinic at their local hospital.

Thanks to the youngsters from Allertonshire School, in Northallerton, mothers-to-be visiting the Friarage for checks-ups will benefit from a new hand Doppler.

The machine listens to heartbeats of unborn babies.

The enterprising 13 and 14-year-olds from form 9SH at the school decided they wanted to help a local good cause and the Friarage's antenatal ward was their favourite.

They held a series of different events to raise the money, including a penalty shoot-out, a sponsored three-mile run, a cake stall and a Christmas cake raffle, and raised almost £400.

Midwife Christianne Adams said: "We would like to say a big thank-you to the children from Allertonshire School and everyone who helped raise money to provide this equipment.

"It will help us enhance the care we provide on the ward for pregnant mums who visit us for checks."