A breastfeeding support service in south Cumbria has received a cash boost from a trust fund managed by Cumbria County Council.

The Holehird Trust Fund allocates grants for voluntary and community organisations which benefit residents of the former county of Westmorland.

South Cumbria Breastfeeding Support has been allocated £2,000 from the fund, it was announced at a meeting of the council's Holehird Trust Joint Committee on Wednesday.

Ann Bruce, who manages the service's centre in Kendal, was delighted with the financial support.

She said: "£2,000 will make a significant difference to South Cumbria Breastfeeding Support.

"We are a small charity and this grant is the equivalent of about two months' costs for us.

"Prior to Covid we held weekly support groups in Kendal, Windermere and Ulverston, where families could access specialist help and support with breastfeeding, as well as having social contact with each other and mum-to-mum support; however, at the moment, all our support has moved online.

"This support is accessed by parents from all over Cumbria, with the majority living in South Lakes.

"Once restrictions are lifted we plan to restart the face-to-face work.

"Becoming a parent can be a challenging transition at the best of times.

"It is such a learning curve and new families have always needed the support of their friends and family.

"This has been much more difficult in the last year but it has been a pleasure and a privilege to be able to offer some support to families through this very challenging time.

"We are very grateful to the Holehird Trust for their support."

The group's application to the trust said: "The women using our service come from throughout south Cumbria and they do not belong to any particular segment other than being mothers.

"Some have had no breastfeeding history in their family, therefore may have very little support, encouragement or knowledge at home or from peers to help them.

"We are able to provide continuity and ongoing support to mothers for as long as they want it; something which healthcare professionals are not in a position to do.

"Currently, with Covid restrictions, many mums are disadvantaged in that the usual networks of family, peers and playgroups which can be a huge help to a new mum are not readily accessible, if at all at present."