A DEDICATED Dudley midwife has scooped a top regional award for helping an expectant mum through both heartache and joy during pregnancy.

Claire South has been named the Emma’s Diary Mums’ Midwife of the Year 2016 for the Midlands and East region - after being nominated by grateful Lucy Goodway from Halesowen.

The doting mum wanted to thank caring Dudley Group community midwife Claire for being her "guardian angel" on two occasions after she supported her before and after the heartbreaking stillbirth of her son Jack William Goodway - and a further pregnancy which resulted in the birth of healthy baby boy Archie Jack Goodway in June 2015.

She said: "When I lost my beautiful little boy at 37 weeks, Claire was there for me every single day - holding my hand, always knowing what to say, talking openly about our memories of baby Jack and giving me hope for the future.

“Then she was there for me again throughout my next pregnancy a few months later. I was a nervous wreck but she was so kind, calm and supported me every step of the way.

"I am now lucky enough to call her my friend and have a beautiful rainbow baby.”

Claire said she was "completely blown away" to have won the accolade, part of The Royal College of Midwives Annual Midwifery Awards, which recognises exceptional midwives who went above and beyond during the course of duty.

The 33-year-old from Halesowen said: "It's such an honour as I feel like I was just doing my job. Knowing I have made a difference means everything to me."

Parenting club Emma’s Diary received a record 671 nominations from mums across the country and all entries were rigorously judged by representatives from the Royal College of Midwives and Emma’s Diary, culminating in seven regional winners.

Nick Watts, head of partnerships - Emma’s Diary, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the extraordinary stories we have read. Each entry demonstrated the dedication and compassion that represents the best of UK midwifery today, so selecting the seven regional winners was challenging to say the least."

Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the RCM, said: "The care these midwives gave to those who nominated them is a shining example of all that is great in midwifery practice in the UK."

Claire, who completed her midwife training on the wards at the old Wordsley Hospital, Stourbridge, will be presented with her trophy and find out who has won the coveted national title at a London awards ceremony, hosted by TV presenter Kate Silverton, on March 8.