Maternity units in Bradford and district were celebrating today after receiving a slice of £100m to help refurbish rooms and improve services.

The maternity unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary has been awarded £888,987 and Airedale General Hospital is set to get £216,494.

The extra money will pay for a range of improvements at 209 units nationwide, including 93 refurbishments, 97 new facilities, the modernisation of 65 ante natal units and better bereavement facilities in more than 80 units.

The government claimed it was the largest single investment in maternity care.

In Bradford the money will be used to upgrade and refurbish the existing unit. Jacque Gerard, service midwife nurse manager, said everyone at the unit was delighted with the cash.

"It will make the unit more family friendly and more dignified for women," she said. "We will be providing more en-suite facilities and be taking into account the different cultural and religious beliefs of people and the requirements of disabled women who are pregnant.

"We will be providing a prayer room and a room where families can be together, and redecorating existing rooms.

"We will also be looking at establishing better bereavement facilities." Mrs Gerard said she hoped work would begin early in the new year.

Health Minister Jacqui Smith said: "Improving maternity services is vital to giving children and their families the best start in life. Many women say their receive excellent care in pregnancy but there are still too many variations."