A PILOT scheme to help prevent parents becoming stressed and harming their crying babies is being launched in Barnsley.

The NSPCC scheme, Coping with Crying, involves showing parents-to-be and new parents a film about caring for a crying baby and gives tips on how to control their feelings.

It is hoped it will help ease frustrations which can lead to babies being harmed.

The scheme will be delivered by staff from children's centres, midwives, and health visitors and will be integrated into the antenatal parent education programme, commissioned by Barnsley Public Health.

Sharon Stoltz, acting director of Public Health for Barnsley, said: "Concerns about babies crying are one of the most common reasons that new parents seek help from professionals. When their baby cries, it's common for parents to feel frustrated, and in the worst cases they can lose their temper and harm their baby."