A NORTH YORKSHIRE midwife has taken delivery of a new award after being nominated by a grateful mum.

Janice Knights, who is based in Thirsk, has been named regional winner for the North of England in a search to find the Midwife of the Millennium by toymakers Mamas and Papas.

She will now go forward to the national final, where eight regional winners will compete for the £1,000 top prize, as well as £1,000 worth of equipment for their unit.

A midwife for 22 years, Janice was nominated by new mum Wendy Turner, who praised her professionalism and friendly manner.

Wendy will accompany Janice to the final at Huddersfield.

Muriel Byers, head of midwifery at Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, said: "I think it's wonderful that the community have supported her in this way and shown their appreciation for her work. She thoroughly deserves the award."

PICTURE: CHAMPION: Janice Knights, who has been nominated for Midwife of the Millennium, with six-week-old Darren Peckitt, of Thirsk Picture: Richard Doughty