NEW mothers are to find out which shops and cafes in Darlington are breastfeeding-friendly by taking part in mystery shopper exercises.

Nursing mothers will visit businesses with their babies and assess which offer the best facilities and are most welcoming.

The aim of the study, being carried out by members of the borough's Nursing Mothers Review Group, is to compile a list of the most breastfeeding-friendly establishments in the town.

Caroline Thomas, of Darlington Borough Council, said there was a lack of information for mothers about where they would be welcomed.

"Knowing which are the friendliest places will help new mums in the town," she said.

"We're looking for things like whether nursing mums feel welcome, whether there are dedicated facilities and whether staff go out of their way to help, like offering a glass of water.

"The research will mean mums themselves fill in questionnaires and comment on the various places."

She said the study could result in a breastfeeding-friendly initiative being launched, which businesses would sign up to.