AIREDALE Hospital has received a coveted award for the support it gives new mums.

The NHS Foundation Trust has been presented with a certificate of commitment from the Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative.

The presentation was made to coincide with National Breastfeeding Celebration Week.

"We decided to join forces with the Baby Friendly Initiative to increase breastfeeding rates and to improve care for all mothers at our maternity unit," said Mary Armitage, the trust's head of midwifery and senior matron for children's services.

"Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses – including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections – in infancy as well as cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes later in life."

The Baby Friendly Initiative, set-up by Unicef in conjunction with the World Health Organisation, aims to provide a practical and effective way for health services to improve care for mothers and babies.

Programme director Sue Ashmore said: "We are delighted that Airedale NHS Foundation Trust has received this award.

"Surveys show that most mothers want to breastfeed but don't always get the support they need.

"Mothers at Airedale's maternity unit have the satisfaction of knowing that their midwives are aiming to provide the highest standard of care."