Breast is best, according to local nurses - and they've got a certificate to prove it!

Airedale NHS Trust has been awarded a certificate of commitment from the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative.

The award was due to be handed over yesterday during a special ceremony at Steeton Hall to mark National Breastfeeding Week.

Airedale staff joined the UNICEF UK initiative in order to improve practices and increase breastfeeding rates.

They are sending the message to local mothers that breastfeeding is definitely the best choice for them and their babies.

Trust spokesman Ann Hodson wants mothers to make informed decisions so they can breastfeed their babies happily and successfully.

"The health benefits for both mother and baby are well documented and the World Health Organisation recommends breastfeeding for at least six months.

"However, each year 165,000 mothers across the UK stop breastfeeding during the first six weeks of their babies' lives.

"Sadly 90 per cent of these mums say they wanted to breastfeed for longer." After receiving the certificate of commitment, Airedale NHS Trust will now strive to receive the full Baby Friendly Status.

UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, gives the award to health care facilities across the world which provide the best standards of care for mothers and babies.

Currently 31 hospitals have been accredited Baby Friendly and 73 units have been awarded a certificate of commitment.

Inset: Sutton mum Lis Osborne with clinical midwifery manager Ann Hodson