Companies have come forward to help buy new cots for a maternity ward after hospital staff appealed for help.

The Watford Observer is supporting Watford General Hospital's Katherine ward as it tries to replace its 30-year-old cots with newer ones for the next generation.

We launched a campaign two weeks ago, alongside Jackie Fitzsimons, a healthcare assistant on the post-natal ward.

Old McDonald’s Day Nursery in Chorleywood, Hartbeeps and Darwood Mechanical Services in St Albans have both offered to pitch in.

It means the campaign is closer to its goal of buying 26 cribs before next July.

In the meantime, Jackie and her band of midwives will do a ‘cot dash’ through Watford town centre.

Midwives will run through the centre with cots in the hopes of raising awareness and cash.

The event will be held on Saturday, June 16 at 10.30am.

n To get involved or to sponsor a crib, or donate, email aslater@london.newsquest.co.uk.