HE was born 14 weeks prematurely weighing the same as a bag of sugar - but today baby Finn Morgan is ready to leave hospital.

Finn's parents Gill and Nick Morgan were 276 miles from home when Gill went into labour at York Hospital, only 26 weeks into her pregnancy.

The family, from Brighton, have been staying in York waiting for little Finn to fight off various infections, build up his strength and receive vital medical care in York's Special Care Baby Unit.

The Morgans were so delighted with the care and support they got from staff there that Nick took part in a charity race to Blackpool Tower to raise £1,500 for the baby unit.

Now 11 weeks old and weighing in at a healthy 6lb 6oz, Finn is off the oxygen tank, out of his incubator and being fed on a bottle.

Proud dad Nick, 36, praised York Hospital and the Special Care Baby Unit staff for their "excellent" care of his tiny son.

"The unit is probably the best around," he said.

"It's small, intimate and very personal and the staff not only cared for Finn but they looked after Gill and I as well.

"It helped to make a difficult time spent worrying about Finn, bearable."

As Finn started to put weight on, Nick and Gill were able to take him into one of the unit's bedsits to spend time with him on their own.

"You can take your baby in there for a couple of days and be a proper family, knowing the staff are there for support if you need them," said Nick. "It's invaluable."

Gill and Nick, who have family in Knaresborough, plan to stay in York for the next six months to be near York Hospital.

"Brighton is a long way away and Finn is still in quite a vulnerable state," said Nick.

"We want him to be close to the unit."

Anyone who wants more information about supporting the Special Care Baby Unit should phone Lynn Britain on 01904 765017.

Updated: 10:15 Thursday, June 24, 2004