Members of the National Childbirth Trust fought against the closure of the Grange Birth Centre after it was closed due to a shortage of midwives.

The team, led by Sarah Roberts, of Petersfield, received a special commendation from a cross-party committee of MPs and also picked up the Local Campaigner of the Year award from the NCT.

Mrs Roberts, Carmel Crabtree, a Grange Midwife, Kaljit Chauhana, Portsmouth Hospitals Trust and Nick Birtley, Hampshire PCT, headed to Westminster to meet Ann Keen MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Health Services on Monday.

The award was presented by Mrs Keen on behalf of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Maternity, a group of ministers from different political parties which meets regularly to discuss issues about maternity care.

This not the first time the campaigners have been to Westminster as the NCT’s campaign included a petition which was dropped off at No. 10 Downing Street. Meetings were also held with MPs at the Houses of Commons as the mums fought their corner.

The category of ‘Local Campaigner of the Year’ recognises the contribution that an individual or group has made to support the community by actively campaigning for the NCT.

The Petersfield and Liss branch of the NCT successfully campaigned for the reopening of the Grange Birth Centre for three years, ending in the full reopening in April this year.

Mrs Roberts said: “We are delighted to have won the award from the NCT Volunteer Awards. It is great to know that we as a group have been recognised for all our hard work.”

Over 200 nominations were received for six different categories all recognising and appreciating the work they have done for the NCT. The NCT has over 4,500 registered volunteers who give their time, energy and skills throughout 300 branches nationwide.

Ruth Howard, Branch Support Manager at the NCT charity said: “These awards provide an excellent opportunity to highlight examples of hard work and commitment by NCT volunteers in our local branches, while hopefully inspiring others to follow their lead.”

So far 43 babies have been born at the Grange since April and many new mothers have been transferred there to use postnatal services.