SARAH BANKS was shocked to say the least when she gave birth to her second son William on the floor of her home with no mid-wife present in July.

Sarah, who lives at Huttons Ambo, had opted to give birth at York District Hospital, because she had complications during the birth of her first child Joseph.

After her frightening experience, however, she thinks that it is vital that the maternity unit at Malton and Norton District Hospital remains open in rural Ryedale.

"On the morning William was born I rang York hospital at the point my contractions were getting quite sharp," said Sarah, 38. "I was told by one of the midwives that my contractions weren't long enough to be doing anything and to call back later. I put the phone down and minutes later my waters broke and I realised the baby was on its way."

Her husband David called the hospital again to let them know and they he was told by a midwife to come to York but to be prepared to pull over in a lay-by and call the police if necessary.

"We would never have made it in time," said Sarah. "We prepared for the delivery at home and called 999. The ambulance crew arrived 25 minutes later, by which time the baby's head was crowning and my husband was taking instructions over the phone on what to do."

Sarah added: "We were so very fortunate that everything went well, and it's frightening to think what would have happened if the cord had come out first.

"It seems ridiculous when Malton is just minutes away from my home. If women are to be given the choice as to where and how they give birth, Malton Hospital must resurrect a full maternity service.

"The move for home births is all very well but a straightforward pregnancy doesn't always mean an uncomplicated birth. Others will be faced with a long and uncomfortable journey when they should be offered the same service on their doorstep."