LIBRARIES across Somerset are Positive About Breastfeeding after signing up to the campaign.

Somerset County Council has signed up to the scheme, which means mothers are welcome to breastfeed in any public area, with staff also being informed of breastfeeding policies to promote the rights of mothers to choose how and where to feed their babies.

The Clarks Village, in Street, has also joined the campaign, which will see venues displaying 'Positive About Breastfeeding' stickers in windows.

Sue Crowley, strategic manager library services at the council, said: “I am very pleased that we have signed up to the Positive about Breastfeeding scheme.

"There are a number of Rhyme Times and Baby Boogie sessions that are held regularly in many of Somerset’s 34 libraries.

"There is no cost or age limit to joining the library and we welcome children from the earliest months of life.

"We aim to help parents and carers to support their children to grow and develop a lifelong library habit and are committed to promoting libraries as a safe public space for mothers to feed their babies.”

Councillor Anna Groskop, cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, added: "The scheme will offer a suitable welcome to all mums with young infants.

"It is important that we do everything possible to assist women to breastfeed in public areas. I would encourage other organisations and public places to join up to the scheme and provide a warm welcome to mums.

"There are so many health benefits associated with breastfeeding, research shows that it reduces hospital admissions, infections and reduces the risk of childhood obesity.”