Braintree's maternity ward has now fully reopened and is providing 24-hour a day care again.

The WJC Birth Centre, located at St Michael’s Health Centre, in Rayne Road, Braintree, offers primary maternity care services to pregnant women from across the district.

It was announced in August mums-to-be would be directed elsewhere to give birth if they go into labour after 6pm in the evening.

Mid Essex Hospitals Trust initially announced the closure would last until the end of September, however after this the time of the closure was shifted to 8pm.

On November 13 however, the centre reopened and will now provide care to expectant mums 24-hours a day.