A DUDLEY midwife has scooped a prestigious award for her breastfeeding buddy scheme for new mums.

Lucy Johnson, from Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, collected the Johnsons Baby Award for Evidence into Practice from TV journalist Natasha Kaplinsky at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Annual Awards.

The scheme offers training and basic breastfeeding information to a close family member of the new mother to give increased family support and encouragement.

Midwives advise that breastfed babies are at less risk from illnesses like respiratory infections and allergic diseases such as eczema and gastro-intestinal infections.

Breastfeeding can also protect mums against illnesses including rheumatoid arthritis and lower the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.