A TEAM of midwives and maternity support workers from Airedale Hospital is a step ahead of its counterparts across the country.

It won a national pedometer challenge organised by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).

Over 100 teams took part, counting how many steps they notched-up over a fortnight in April and early May.

The victorious Stork Walkers from Airedale NHS Foundation Trust achieved 1,474,539 steps, equivalent to around 700 miles.

The team – comprising captain Helen Peet, Caroline Lowe, Anne Boyes, Kelly Dobson, Sharon Robinson and Sharon Ridd – won £100 for the trust's RCM branch.

Helen said: "We are highly delighted and proud to have won this challenge.

"There were many teams at Airedale which participated and there was a healthy camaraderie throughout the unit.

"One pedometer travelled as far as Spain during the challenge! Well done to all who participated."

Mary Armitage, head of midwifery at the trust, said she was "incredibly proud" of the team's determination and enthusiasm.

"They really have gone the extra mile!" she added.

Gill Adgie, for the RCM, said the challenge was part of the Caring for You campaign, which aims to improve staff health and wellbeing.

"I was delighted with the number of teams that entered," she added.

"It was really encouraging to see so many people from across the UK coming together to highlight the importance of staff wellbeing."