A TOP Premiership footballer is making sure efforts to increase breastfeeding are in good hands.

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer is supporting National Breastfeeding Week.

The Australian international is promoting the week, from Sunday until May 20, in Hambleton and Richmondshire.

He said: "When my wife, Paloma, gave birth to our children, there was no question as to how they would be fed.

"Clearly, breastfeeding is best. When Paloma told me the statistics showed that breast-fed babies were less likely to suffer from obesity in adulthood, had boosted immunity, suffered from fewer allergies and tended to have higher IQs, I was convinced."

The percentage of mothers breastfeeding in Swaledale and Arkengarthdale is strong, but health workers want to improve on it.

Health visitor Vicci Aylesbury said: "Breastfeeding gives babies the healthiest possible start in life. The first few weeks can be very demanding, but once established, most mothers find breastfeeding rewarding and fulfilling.