STAFF at Airedale Hospital have received lifesaving training to help them detect signs of congenital heart disease in babies.

The training was delivered to sonographers at the Steeton site by Tiny Tickers – a charity which works to improve the detection, care and treatment of babies with serious heart conditions.

It was awarded £17,000 by partner charity Children’s Heart Surgery Fund to finance the training of sonographers across Yorkshire.

Sessions cover latest NHS recommendations on what sonographers should look for when examining the heart as part of the 20-week scan.

Both Tiny Tickers and Children’s Heart Surgery Fund worked together on a similar initiative in 2016, when training was provided to 226 sonographers.

Anne Rhodes, of Tiny Tickers, said: “It is an absolute pleasure to be able to work with Children’s Heart Surgery Fund again to provide our sonographer training – it is always very well received.”

Sharon Milner, for the fund, said: “Spotting a heart defect early can greatly improve a baby’s chances of survival and long-term quality of life.”