PLANS to promote breastfeeding in Darlington have been welcomed by health chiefs.

The town has pledged to adopt new measures as part of an initiative run by the United Nations Children's Fund.

One of the prime aims of the scheme is to encourage breast-feeding by promoting the health benefits for mothers and babies.

Darlington Memorial Hospital, Darlington Primary Care Trust and SureStart have developed a plan to train staff, urge mothers to breastfeed and create an environment that encourages the practice.

Hospital midwife Frances Arrowsmith said: "This new commitment to training will give staff the confidence they need to help mums get breastfeeding off to a good start and maintain breastfeeding for longer."