A WOMAN who helped save the life of a new born baby has been named Midwife of the Year.

Alison Russell received the award from her employers at South Tees Hospital NHS Trust after being nominated by new mum Denise Harston.

Judges said they were moved by Mrs Harston's nomination in which she explained that her son Garry Lee was in trouble when he was born a year ago. The mother-of-two from Redcar said of Ms Russell: "She was very supportive and without her encouragement my baby may have died. Nothing was too much trouble and her constant smile was a help through a most stressful time.

"Garry's heart rate was dropping during the birth and when he was delivered the cord was wrapped around his neck.

"I know this must happen quite a lot, but to me it was a very important and frightening time. If it hadn't been for her giving me that extra support I don't know what might have happened."

Ms Russell, who received a certificate and a beauty pack, said: "I'm flattered. It's so nice that Denise has taken time to do this and nominate me. It's really nice to be appreciated for the work you do."