A NEW birthing pool at The Grange Maternity Centre in Petersfield is set to increase the popularity of the town's birthing centre.

Confirmation this week of a £26,000 government grant for the new facility at the maternity unit at Petersfield Hospital has been greeted with delight by the Friends of The Grange.

"We are over the moon and thrilled that all the commitments of the midwives and the local community has paid off," said Raine Ryland this week.

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.