A family of a premature baby boy that was cared for at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) held a cartoon-themed fun day to say a special thank you to the staff.

Swanley Coleman, who was born nine weeks premature, received life-saving care at the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at DCH in January this year after being born at just 27 weeks.

Little Swanley spent five weeks at the SCBU, and his family organised the fun day at the Dorchester Corn Exchange on Sunday to pay their thanks and to raise vital funds for the ward.

Swanley’s mother Tammy-Jo Hague said although Swanley was born nine weeks early, he actually stopped growing at 27 weeks and weighed just two pounds and 11 ounces when he was born.

Swanley had a bleed on the brain and various other complications but thanks to the care and support of the SCBU, he was able to recover and now the family are keen to give something back to the unit.

Elsa from Frozen, Fireman Sam and Donatello the Ninja Turtle were just some of the well-loved characters at the family fundraiser.

Swanley’s grandmother Anita Harries said: "Today has been really good. I am so pleased with how it has gone. We've had so many people come in and such a good response - everybody seems to be enjoying themselves and there is a bit of everything for everyone to do.

"We have asked the SCBU to send us a list as we want to buy something for the unit.

"I want to thank everybody who has come today, especially Famous Faces and Darcy, she has worked really hard for us.

"And of course Swanley because he is what this is all about - his mum, dad and sister are all here today and they have a had a great time.

"I just want to give a big thank you to everybody who has helped us raise the money and made it into a success."

The Mayor of Dorchester, Robin Potter and Mayoress Val officially opened the fundraiser with other guests such as Face of the Globe contestant Darcy Lane, shortly before 11am.

Visitors were able to enjoy a whole host of activities from balloon modelling, a bouncy castle, magic show, facepainting and a Punch and Judy show.

The Kingfisher Ward and SCBU came under threat earlier this year as part Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group’s proposals to create a new blueprint for the way healthcare was provided for in Dorset.

The proposals included having just one ward for seriously ill children and one baby unit for the county in East Dorset and downgrading the two DCH wards to paediatric assessment units
Local families whose children's lives have been saved at Dorset County Hospital threw their weight behind the Echo’s campaign to protect paediatric services, which saw more than 20,000 people sign a petition demanding the wards stayed open which was handed to CCG bosses.