FEWER babies in Bolton are dying from cot death syndrome, the BEN can reveal today.

Despite the dramatic drop however, experts are urging parents not to be complacent.

Felicity Overe from Bolton's Cot Death Support Group says the town has suffered just one incidence of cot death in the last two years.

And she has praised parents for taking extra measures to make sure their babies sleep on their backs.

Felicity said: "This is definitely one of the reasons for the fall in the numbers of babies who have suffered cot death in Bolton.

Grieve

"But there is a danger that parents may become complacent. We still need to get the message across that normal healthy babies should be sleeping on their backs."

Bolton's last victim of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome was in August when James Leech found dead by his father.

The Little Hulton couple continue to grieve over the loss of their five-week-old son -- a terrible reminder to Bolton parents that cot death is far from solved.

Eight babies a week die in the UK from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

And, as part of the Cot Death Awareness Week this week, experts are urging parents not to smoke during pregnancy.

Experts

Cot death is defined as the sudden and unexpected death of a baby for no obvious reason.

And statistics show that 35 babies died before the age of one in the North-west in 1999.

Experts tell parents to put new-born babies on their backs -- yet, the Foundation for the Study of Infants Deaths(FSID) say premature babies could benefit from sleeping on their front.

Dr Sara Levene, FSID scientific and medical advisor, said: "We need solid evidence on how to care for premature babies as they become stronger, in order to protect them from cot death.

"Babies who are born premature are seven times more likely to die later from cot death, and we need to do all we can to learn how to help them."

Canon Slade School first aider, Jackie Parkinson, of The Haulgh, Bolton, said Bolton parents were learning from the tragedy suffered by her and others.

Mrs Parkinson, whose baby son, Sam, died suddenly 12 years ago, said that the campaign telling parents to put babies on their backs for sleeping had been highly successful.

"When Sam was born, there was little publicity about cot death and the rates were sky high.

"We're seeing much better public awareness today and this has got to continue to educate new parents." HOW PARENTS CAN REDUCE THE RISKS Place your baby on its back to sleep

Don't smoke during pregnancy -- fathers too!

Do not let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby

Keep your baby's head uncovered

If your baby is unwell, seek medical advice immediately

Do not fall asleep with your baby on the sofa

Keep your baby's cot in your own bedroom for the first six months

Do not share a bed with your baby if you or your partner are smokers, have been drinking alcohol or taking medication or drugs that make you drowsy or if you are excessively tired.