BAGS of essential items are now available for new mums at Airedale Hospital thanks to caring staff.

The newborn hearing screening team is providing so-called pride packs, containing toiletries for women who arrive in hospital with nothing.

Items range from shampoo, deodorant and breast pads for the mums to nappies, wipes and even clothes for their babies.

All the goods are provided by the staff at their own cost.

Behind the initiative was Sharon Robinson, a newborn hearing screener at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

She said: "There are mums who just can't afford certain things and staff can see when some ladies don't have much – and discreetly give them the pride packs.

"We think of ourselves as a very dedicated team and we care about the babies and the mums. We provide things where there is a real need.

"Women who have had their baby say they feel so much better when they're able to have their own personal care products – they feel clean and fresh for the start of their day as a new mum."