MUMS in the Okehampton area will find it easier to breast feed their children thanks to a new guide being produced by local projects.

The Barnardo's Sure Start Children's Centres in Okehampton and Hatherleigh are listing all of the local venues which welcome breastfeeding in their premises.

The free leaflets will be launched at Red Lion Yard today (Thursday) from 10am to 4pm.

Families will be able to enjoy fun activities and receive more information about how the two children's centres can help them to achieve their potential. The event has been organised as part of World Breastfeeding Week.

Barnardo's children's centre worker Jenny Knib said: 'Mums sometimes worry about leaving the home because they're unsure if they will be supported when they need to breastfeed their child.

'So we posted forms to lots of local venues to ask if breastfeeding was welcome, how they would respond to a complaint, and if they provided facilities such as baby-changing, high-chairs and access for buggies.

'We also asked if they would be happy to display a sticker which declared their support for breastfeeding. Those venues which completed and returned the forms with positive and encouraging comments have been included in the leaflet.

'We already have almost 20 premises on the list but we hope this number will grow as more people become aware of the scheme and want to get involved. It's a great way for local businesses to demonstrate their support for breastfeeding, an activity which helps to give children the best possible start in life.'

Parents can also obtain leaflets from the children's centres directly, in the Ockment Centre in Okehampton and Bowling Green Lane in Hatherleigh.

Both projects also provide breastfeeding groups at the same venues, in Okehampton on Mondays from 1.30-3pm and in Hatherleigh on Wednesdays from 10.30am-12noon.

Call Okehampton Children's Centre on 01837 658621 or Hatherleigh Children's Centre on 01837 811190 for more information.