More than 80 per cent of the 2,500 mothers who give birth at Worthing Hospital each year breastfeed their babies.

This shows a rise from a figure of 60 per cent six months ago, according to the Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the maternity unit.

The trust appointed midwife Carol Lee to the post of infant feeding co-ordinator last March.

She is responsible for ensuring all staff who work with women and babies have appropriate training to enable them to support and advise new mothers.

Experts say breastfeeding is best for babies because a mother's milk contains all the nutrients an infant needs as well as antibodies that prevent infection.

Carol said: "Many women often give up breastfeeding because they come across a problem and there is no one at hand to help.

"Often it is very simple to resolve and the evidence suggests the extra training being given to staff is paying off.

"I am delighted with the results so far. We are listening to the views of women using our services."