Members of the Bolingey Barbarian's Rugby Football Club were disappointed to learn this week that claims of a visit to their Christmas party from the Angel Gabriel have proven unfounded.

Club chairman, Roger Mead, was scanned at the Royal Cornwall Hospital only to find that his pregnancy was phantom!

However, there was a serious point to the unusual exercise. A number of the team and club members were visiting the fetal medicine department at the hospital to see the new telemedicine screen that has been installed, thanks to their donation of more than £3,500.

The new screen has dramatically improved the telemedicine link with heart specialists in Bristol, who are able to offer expert advice, via a video link, on heart abnormalities that have been identified in babies whilst still inside the womb. It has enabled parents and fetal medicine specialists in Cornwall to receive a much-improved video image from the cardiology unit in Bristol.

Consultant obstetrician, Mr Dominic Byrne, said: "The telemedicine link is hugely successful and has taken away the need for pregnant women to travel to Bristol for a diagnosis at a time when they may be anxious and need the support of their family. The new screen has made considerable improvements to the quality of the video image at the Cornish end."

The Barbarians raised the money through collections at their six veterans rugby matches right across Cornwall as well as other fundraising events during this season.

Mr Mead said: "We are grateful for the support of all our players and supporters at the matches and everyone who has made a contribution and hope they will be as pleased as we are with the difference we have been able to make for local parents who are in need of these very special facilities."