A group of walkers from the West Craven area raised nearly £1,800 for a couple whose baby lost his battle for life after only nine days.

Daniel Steinberger was born three and a half months premature to former Craven College health and beauty student Leanne and her American husband Michael.

After coming into the world at just 1lb 10ozs on November 28, little Daniel spent his short life hooked up to a ventilator and he passed away in the couple’s arms.

Leanne, 27, formerly of Barnoldswick, and Michael were heartbroken and their story touched the hearts of people from her hometown, who organised an appeal in Daniel’s memory to help the couple meet hospital and funeral costs.

Schoolfriend Nikita Smith, who attended West Craven High Technology College with Leanne, arranged a Nine Miles For Nine Days fancy dress walk from Barnoldswick in late January.

The walk raised £1,780 ($2,943) for the couple, who live near San Bernardino, California, and Nikita thanked everyone for all their support.