YORK’S two MPs have vowed to back the campaign to save children’s heart surgery in Yorkshire.

The NHS confirmed on Wednesday that the unit at Leeds General Infirmary, used by youngsters from York and North Yorkshire, will stop performing operations once a national restructure comes into force, meaning families must travel to Newcastle for surgery.

Campaigners who fought for Leeds say they will keep up the pressure for a rethink, and Hugh Bayley and Julian Sturdy, who represent York Central and York Outer respectively, say they will support them.

MPs from all parties have pressed for a Westminster debate on the issue and Sir George Young, Leader of the House of Commons, will report back next week on whether this will happen.

Mr Bayley said: “The decision is a mistake and I’m concerned parents from York and North Yorkshire will have to travel long distances to see their children in hospital, making what is already a stressful time for them even worse.”

Writing in The Press today, Mr Sturdy branded the decision “terrible news” and said he would continue to fight it.

City of York Council leader James Alexander said the authority was "deeply disappointed" with the decision and added: "I have met those campaigning for the unit and the loss of this facility will be strongly felt by families across all of Yorkshire."