STUDENTS from Tavistock College visited Derriford Hospital to present the incubator blankets they have been making in textiles twilight classes to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Eleven students were given a tour of the neonatal ward by a nurse who outlined the important life-saving work done there. Students were able to see an incubator and understand the importance that the equipment and the ward play in helping sick and premature babies.

It was explained how incubator blankets are used to keep the babies calm by blocking out the light and sound to make them feel more like they are in their mother's womb. They also play a part in making the environment more welcoming to parents and the babies with their bright colours and patterns. The students tested their blankets on the incubators to see if they fitted. The ward was thrilled with the quality and the hard work that the students had put in.

It was an emotional trip back to the ICU for teachers Gary and Rebecca King, where their son Freddie had spent two weeks following complications during birth.

Student Sarah Smith said: 'It was really cool going to give the incubator blankets we made. To see them all finished was brilliant. It was nice knowing that the blankets would be used at Derriford.'