ONE young mum who has first hand experience of the quality of neo-natal care in the Royal Bolton's special care baby unit is 17-year-old Nicola Dawson.

Her daughter, Emily, was born there three months premature, weighing just 2lb 2oz.

Emily has been cared for in the neo-natal unit since her birth in October and Nicola cannot praise staff enough.

She said: "It was really frightening that she came so early, but I was reassured by the staff, who have been great."

The neo-natal unit could shut if the hospital does not become a super centre for babies and children. Nicola said: It would be a real tragedy if this unit was to close."