Stem cells taken from the umbilical cords of babies can help repair damaged hearts and improve their function, a new study suggests.

Around 500,000 people in Britain suffer from heart failure where their heart can no longer pump blood effectively around the body, causing breathlessness and disability.

Until recently it was thought the damage was irreparable, but the new research suggests that stem cells could help regenerate the organ,

In a groundbreaking experiment, 15 patients were given intravenous infusions of stem cells from umbilical cords which were donated following Caesarean sections.

Experts used a series of tests including MRI scans of the heart to calculate the change.