A WOMAN who helped save the life of a newborn 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 Denise Harston.

The two women, both of whom have recently given birth, met again at The James Cook University Hospital for the award, which is backed by supermarket chain Asda.

Judges said they were moved by Mrs Harston's nomination, which described how her son Garry Lee was in distress during his birth 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.

"I remember Alison saying to me, 'if you don't push this baby out now you will need assistance'. Garry's heart rate was dropping 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 nice that Denise has taken time to do this and nominate me and it's nice to be appreciated for the work you do."