Certificates have been presented to women who successfully completed a course to enable them to help more mothers to breastfeed.

The nine women all finished the 12-week Leleche League Peer Counsellor training programme.

They will now join a group of volunteer buddies which supports breastfeeding mums in the Keighley area.

The programme was run at Keighley Healthy Living Centre, in Scott Street, by breastfeeding support worker Julie Thomas and young persons health development worker Flora Jennings.

Ms Thomas explained: “The women will be working closely with midwives, children’s centres and health visitors and will be available at a Tuesday morning drop-in session here at the centre.

“They’re all local mums who have breastfed their own children, but they’re also from a range of different backgrounds.

“They are all very passionate and committed women. They’re really enthusiastic and they will be a great addition to the team.”

She added that such support for mothers was necessary as breastfeeding rates in Keighley were low.

She said women wanting information and advice on the subject could contact her on 07990 700842 or visit Keighley Breast Feeding Group on Facebook.

The women who have completed the training programme enjoyed a celebration day at Keighley Healthy Living Centre last Friday.

Ms Thomas presented them with the certificates recognising their qualification.