STAFF at North Wiltshire District Council have helped support efforts to purchase a new baby heart monitor in a Christmas fundraising event.

A summer raffle raised over £500 towards the amount needed by the League of Friends of Chippenham Hospital. Chairman of North Wiltshire District Council, Cllr Christine Crisp, as the nominated charity, chose the charity for her year in office.

The League of Friends of Chippenham Hospital are supporting the maternity unit at the hospital by raising money towards purchasing a baby heart monitor. The monitor, known as a CTG or cardiotocograph, measures the foetal heart rate and will benefit mums-to-be from across north Wiltshire by providing reassurance and clinical knowledge to the midwife. The baby heart monitor costs around £3,000 - £4,000.

The summer raffle and donations from a monthly dress down day mean that a total of £1,269.62 has already been raised. It is hoped to reach a target of £2,000 towards the heart monitor by May.

Cllr Christine Crisp, said: "The Christmas raffle was a great way of helping to boost funds towards the much needed baby heart monitor.

"It has only been made possible thanks to the generous support of local companies who have provided a whole range of prizes from a car valet to gift vouchers and meals at local restaurants.

"I would like to thank them and the council staff for all for their continued support for this worthwhile cause".