MIDWIVES from across the country gathered in Huddersfield for an awards ceremony.

Huddersfield-based business Mamas and Papas organised a competition earlier this year to find the country's midwife of 2005.

A £1,000 cash prize was presented to winner Diane Thomas, of Liverpool Women's Hospital. Her hospital's maternity unit and the mother who nominated her also received £1,000 each.

The awards were launched to recognise the exceptional work carried out by midwives across the country.

Pictured at the ceremony are (from left), deputy chief executive of Mamas and Papas Richard Faulkner, Charlotte Morris, award-winner Diane Thomas, Elsie Giggs, Delia Nimo, Sheila Wright, Glen Gbayagula, Jan Withers and Sharon Smithson.