A GROUP of mothers are proving that 'Breast is Best' when it comes to raising children.

Five new mums have got together to encourage others to take the natural option. They attended a special breast feeding course with the Ribbleton-based community organisation Sure Start and now they are ready to start passing on their new skills.

Lisa Firth, who breast fed daughter Gabrielle, 13 months, said: "The group felt their wasn't much support when we were breast feeding.

"We supported each other, and we wanted to help other people. That's why we went on the course."

Along with Angela Rushworth, Margaret Yeung, Kelly Ward and Marion Hook, Lisa completed the six-week course and are now specially trained Breast Friends.

According to local NHS figures, 66 per cent of new mothers at Sharoe Green hospital start breast feeding, but within a few weeks change to bottles.

Sure Start is hoping to persuade Ribbleton mothers to keep up breast feeding to help keep their youngsters healthy. Sue Hughes, health and social care team leader for Sure Start, said: "And the five mothers are now able to offer support for their own community members. Hopefully they will be able to try and change people from bottle feeding to breast feeding. Breast is Best!

"It's natural, and it's cheap -- it costs nothing!"

The group are inviting mums-to-be and other breast feeders to lunch at Mary Magdalene's Hall, Farringdon Lane, Ribbleton, from 12-2.30pm on Monday, May 20.