MAKE Cot Death Extinct is the theme of a national campaign being supported by Blackburn Royal Infirmary. Seven babies die from cot death every week in England and Wales but the cause is still a mystery.

Health chiefs are hoping to raise awareness of the Foundation of Sudden Infant Deaths with a week-long poster campaign at the hospital's Accident and Emergency department.

Mark Hulme, consultant nurse at the hospital, said: "We are keen to raise awareness of cot death as we see the devastating effects that this mystery killer has on parents and families.

"This campaign hopes to reduce, once again, the risk of cot death for the people of East Lancashire."

Some of the guidelines highlighted in the campaign include putting the baby to sleep on its back, cutting smoking in pregnancy and near the baby, preventing a baby from becoming too hot and keeping the baby's head uncovered.

The rate of cot death in England and Wales has fallen by 69 per cent since a Reduce The Risk campaign was launched ten years ago. For more information about cot death contact 020 7233 2090 or long on to www.fsid.co.uk.