The unit was awarded £2,000 from Radio Tay's charity Caring for Kids earlier this year to purchase a special phototherapy Biliblanket which delivers light therapy to newborn babies with the ailment.

Jaundice is a common condition in newborn babies which causes a yellowing in the skin and whites of the eyes, and occurs when the blood contains an excess of the pigment called bilirubin.

This is a natural product arising from the normal breakdown of red blood cells in the body and is excreted in the bile, through the actions of the liver.

Sister Chris Field said: "On behalf of the Community Maternity Unit at Arbroath Infirmary, I would like to thank Radio Tay for making the award from the Caring for Kids Charity.

"Some babies develop a temporary jaundice due to the relative immaturity of their liver cells and the higher than normal rate of cell breakdown that occurs in the first few weeks of life.

"This shows up as a yellow tinge to their skin and these babies will benefit from light therapy. The small Biliblanket can be laid inside their cots, enabling them to receive this phototherapy treatment whilst remaining close to their mums and avoiding the need to be transferred to Ninewells in Dundee."

Chris added: "There has been a bit of a baby boom here in Arbroath and it looks like 2008 is set to be our busiest year ever. Already, we have had 145 babies born at the unit overtaking last year's figure of 144 births.

"I'd like to thank Elaine Dyer and baby Pyper, the 145th Arbroath baby born at the unit, for coming along today and showing how simple and convenient the Biliblanket is.

"The number of women choosing to birth at the unit has been increasing steadily over the years. Midwives are here to listen and work with women so that their birthing experience is as rewarding as possible.

"Many of our new mums have found using our birthing pool during labour and birth to be very helpful. Here in Arbroath we believe in keeping the unit family-orientated and aim to create a relaxed environment for mums to have their babies in."