A free training course will offer local mums the chance to become breastfeeding peer supporters and help other families.

North Somerset Council will run the course next month for mums who have breastfed or provided breastmilk for their child.

It will equip them to support other mums at regular support groups across North Somerset and in private, closed Facebook groups.

The North Somerset Health Early Years team will host their next Breastfeeding Peer Support training course for nine weeks, starting on October 8 at Portishead Children’s Centre, from 10am to 12.30pm each week.

There will be no session during the school holidays on October 29.

To learn more about the course and becoming a volunteer, interested mums can email the team at breastfeeding.welcome@n-somerset.gov.uk for an information pack.

Councillor Jenna Ho Marris, North Somerset Council’s executive member for public health, said: "As a council which empowers and cares, we want every child in North Somerset to have the best possible start to life and our peer supporters play a vital role in doing that.

"Whether you had difficulties, or it was all plain sailing, your experiences will be valuable in supporting others.

"No previous knowledge is necessary before the training, we just ask that you have the experience of having breastfed your own baby.

"And babies are absolutely welcome to join you at the training.

"North Somerset is lucky to have so many dedicated volunteers, but we always need more."

For more information, visit the Better Health North Somerset website: www.betterhealthns.co.uk/healthy-families.