A maternity unit which last year lost it’s consultant led service in a controversial downgrading has marked a major centenary.

The Friarage maternity unit in Northallerton, which was turned into a midwife led unit last October has marked the birth of its 100th baby.

Isla Grace Alderson was born at 8.55am on Saturday, March 21, weighing a healthy seven pounds and half an ounce.

She is the second child of proud parents Hayley and Paul whose son Isaac was also born at the Northallerton hospital in 2012.

The unit became midwife led after protestors lost their battle to keep the consultant service when health bosses said it was unaffordable and unsustainable.

A major campaign was launched by thousands of people to maintain the service fearing women facing more complicated births would have to travel to Middlesbrough or Darlington, adding up to an hour to their journey.

The Northallerton staff are keen to make sure people realise they can still have their babies at the Friarage.

They say they provide friendly individualised care to women with straightforward pregnancies, partners can stay in en-suite rooms during and after the birth and women with high risk pregnancies can still receive outpatient antenatal care.

But for more complicated births expectant mothers have to go to a consultant-led obstetric unit where facilities for complications are more immediately available.

Deborah Hebblethwaite, a midwife and the maternity centre’s manager, said: “We’re thrilled to have delivered the 100th baby and wish the family all the very best.

"I think there are still some people out there who think we’re not here anymore but we are and have a great team.

"We’re looking forward to continuing to provide the care for lots more mothers and their babies at the centre.”

Mrs Alderson said: “My experience at the centre was really good, it felt more relaxed and I received great one-to-one care from the midwife.

"Our son, Isaac, was also born here before the changes took place but I’d definitely recommend it to any mums who are expecting and say if you’ve got the opportunity to come here, do. It’s the way forward.”