Bradford child research project recruits 5,000th baby

Babies born after 2016 will be followed through the first 20 years of their lives

A project which aims to follow the lives of thousands of children born in Bradford has said it has now recruited more than 5,000 babies to the study.

Born in Bradford's Better Start (BiBBS) aims to examine how children can get the best possible start in life and how and why they can become ill.

Children have been recruited to the project since 2016 and will stay with the study until they turn 20.

Director Josie Dickerson said reaching the milestone was "fantastic news".

BiBBS is being led by the community research team, based at Bradford Institute for Health Research at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Dr Dickerson said: "We believe that by watching the ups and downs of their lives in sickness and in health, it might become clearer why children become ill and how these illnesses can be better treated - or even prevented altogether.

"It's a huge undertaking, but it's time to stand back and celebrate for a moment."

To take part in the study families must have a baby born at Bradford Royal Infirmary after April 2016.

They must also live in parts of Bradford which are included in the Better Start Bradford project - Bowling and Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton.

It is one of five A Better Start programmes in England set up and funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.

It aims to find out what works in giving children the best start in life, in terms of their health, wellbeing and life chances.

BiBBS will also monitor and evaluate the effects of the Better Start projects,

Findings from the study have already shown that children who have access to good quality green spaces and parks have better mental wellbeing.