A CALENDAR promoting the benefits of breastfeeding is to be distributed to expectant mothers in Ferryhill and Chilton.

The calendar was shot in Ferryhill Station Family Centre yesterday, using young mothers from the two villages as models.

Midwife Sally Trotter came up with the idea for the calendar. She is seconded to the Ferryhill and Chilton Sure Start programme, a Government initiative operating in socially deprived areas.

Mrs Trotter is hoping the calendar will increase awareness of the advantages of breastfeeding.

Benefits include protection against gastro-enteritis, respiratory infection and ear infections to the baby and reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer for the mother.

Mrs Trotter said: "The calendar is not going to be on sale to the general public, it's only for women in the Ferryhill and Chilton areas.

"If people know they've been given a calendar they might give breastfeeding a go, especially if we can raise awareness and promote the benefits."

The 18-month calendar will be launched during national breastfeeding week in June, and handed out to mothers-to-be along with advice and information.

Mrs Trotter has set up a breastfeeding group with family support worker Diane Alderson and members were quick to agree to appear on the calendar pages.

Students from Bishop Auckland College gave the models a makeover before the shoot yesterday.

Among the participants was Carol Lyner, 26, from Chilton, who posed for pictures with partner Neil Hockworth, 28, and their 17-week old son Ritchie.

She said: "Breastfeeding is the best for your baby and I think to promote it and encourage more mothers to do it is going to help their children.

"You don't see many people breastfeeding, it's all bottles, and they can't be as good as what the mother produces, so I hope this will encourage people.