A BREASTFEEDING and childcare support team in Oxfordshire have won a badge of honour from the United Nations.

The health visitors and family nurses at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust have been awarded the 'Baby Friendly' accolade from the UN children's charity Unicef.

The title recognises their work to support breastfeeding mums and help parents provide best possible care for their children.

Locality team leader and health visitor Fiona Henderson said: "The Unicef stage three accreditation is recognised internationally as a high award.

"This means the health visitors in the county are meeting the highest standards possible."

Mum-of-two Helen Weston said the help she had received breastfeeding her six-week old daughter Chloe and 22-month-old son Henry had been faultless.

She added: "Fiona is probably the reason that I am still breastfeeding my two children, which is the best thing for them.

"I was having difficulties breastfeeding and she helped me through."

Simren Chari, mum to two-month-old Ronav and 17-month-old Samayra, said the team had been 'amazingly empathetic and very understanding.'

She added: "The key word, to be honest, is 'supportive': Fiona has given a lot of positive support, especially with breast feeding.

"She has made sure I have persevered and it has worked.

"I have come to a routine now and it has been great."