ROVERS star David Dunn put town rivalries aside by helping launch a support service for new and expectant parents at Burnley General Hospital.

The veteran midfielder, whose wife Hayley gave birth to their three children at the hospital, said a new website created by East Lancs Maternity Group [ELMG] would help mums cope with pregancy and life after giving birth.

The website provides all sorts of free information, from what to expect when they go into labour, to contact details for various groups or classes they can join.

Dunn, 33, said: “This is a great idea and something my wife would have appreciated when she was having our children. I’m really happy to support the group and it was great to see so many local parents and staff from the hospital here.”

About 60 people turned out for the launch on Thursday, which took place within the Lancashire Women and Newborn Centre.

Louise Dunn, chair of ELMG and no relation to David, said: “It was a brilliant event and we had people from all over East Lancs, from all denominations. We even had some parents coming from Yorkshire.

“We got together when Blackburn and Burnley maternity facilities were changing and we helped to give the opinions of local families on the developments.

“The website is not owned or managed by a maternity service, and the information found here is extra to the support you will get from your midwife, obstetrician, health visitor or GP.

“The next thing we want to do is develop a smartphone app.”

See the website at: www.birthineastlancs.com