The birthing centre at Dover's Buckland Hospital has been closed folliowing the discovery of asbestos.

The material came to light when engineers were called in to investigate problems with the hot water supply to parts of the centre.

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust said the unit would remain closed while the pipe work was repaired.

"However, the discovery of asbestos insulating material around the pipe work means that this may take a little longer than a normal repair," said Lindsey Stevens, head of midwifery for the trust.

"We are extremely sorry for any inconvenience which this may cause to our mothers but the asbestos needs to be removed before we re-open the unit.

"I would like to reassure mothers who have given birth here that there is absolutely no danger to them, their babies or their families because the asbestos has been used only as an insulating material for outdoor pipes which are themselves in a covered duct.

"The material has not been in contact with any water flowing through the pipes."

Full story in this week's Dover Mercury.