EXCITEMENT is brewing as the opening date of South Cumbria's newest arrival draws closer.

When the South Lakes Birthing Centre officially opens its doors to expectant mums on February 14, it will signify a new era for the county's maternity services.

The new £12m, 2,553 sq m, unit which sits on the site of Furness General hospital, is made up of 14 ensuite birthing rooms with facilities for partners to stay over, two dedicated operating theatres, a special care baby unit, a maternity assessment area, a transitional care facility, a skills lab for staff training, and a bereavement suite.

As part of our countdown to the opening of the state-of-the-art unit, we want to speak with some of the first babies born in Furness General's maternity ward which opened in 1984.

The 22-bed ward opened on November 5, replacing the Victorian Risedale Maternity Hospital and saw staff spring in to action when Stephanie Kerr, nee Armstrong became the first baby to be delivered at around 9pm.

If you, or your child was one of the first babies born in the unit, we would love to speak to you about your experiences and memories of the midwives and doctors and facilities.

Get in touch by calling 01229 840 147 or email news.em@cnmedia.co.uk