In 2003 there were 7,500 births in the Bradford district. Of these, 68 babies died soon after birth or before their first birthday.

The Bradford District Infant Mortality Commission is looking at how the number of deaths can be reduced.

Its will meet in public five times in the next ten months.

Among those present at the meetings will be health experts, lawyers and affected families.

Chairwoman Julia O'Hara said: "We are now beginning to take evidence and hope members of the public who feel they can assist our investigation into the causes of infant deaths in the Bradford district will come forward and speak to us."