DOZENS of mums and babies gathered for a picnic to celebrate National Breastfeeding Week.

The picnic in Hollytrees Meadow, Castle Park, Colchester, was attended by about 80 parents, whether they breast fed, bottle fed or simply wanted to socialise with other mums and babies.

Face painting put smiles on smaller children, along with the arts and crafts on the go.

Various organisations joined in, including Anglian Community Enterprise, Essex County Council and Barnardo’s.

Sue Coltman, midwife and breastfeeding co-ordinator at Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It has been really successful.

“We wanted to have an event for mums with new babies to meet other mums and if they haven’t breast fed in public before, to do so.”

Mrs Coltman said the picnic went so well there is already talk of it happening again later this year.

National Breastfeeding Celebration Week is an opportunity for mothers, breastfeeding supporters and health professionals to come together and share what works well to support breastfeeding in communities.