A CHIMNEY sweep and fairy godmother brought good luck to two of the region's newest mothers yesterday.

Angela and Dean Buick, from Durham costume character company, The Enchantment Factory, called at the maternity ward in Durham's University Hospital yesterday, to give mums a special Mother's Day.

They read a poem about motherhood to Tracey Greenwell and newborn Lewis, along with Claire Delaponofta and her baby, Joshua. The couple also took flowers and gifts in a visit organised by Milburngate Shopping Centre, in Durham City.

Mrs Buick said: "We do characters for all sorts of things, but this was a real tear-jerker."

A hospital spokeswoman said: "It was nice to do something a bit different and the mothers seemed to enjoy it."