OKEHAMPTON and Hatherleigh's Children's Centres are inviting families to join a global celebration of breastfeeding, which includes a free event in Okehampton today (Thursday). World Breastfeeding Week has been organised by the World Alliance of Breastfeeding Action and features the World Cup-themed strapline of 'Breastfeeding: A winning goal for life!' The Barnardo's children's centres for Okehampton and Hatherleigh are hosting the event at The Ockment Centre from 1pm to 3pm, which will include lots of free fun and games. Parents are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy a cream tea. Barnardo's project worker Jenny Knibb said: 'For last year's event we produced a list of local venues which welcomed breastfeeding. This included shops, cafés and other businesses and was really well received by the local community — we update this periodically and would love to hear from local venues that want to be included. 'This year we want to encourage any past, present or future breastfeeding mums, as well as their families, to join us for a picnic and a cream tea. There will be plenty of information and advice at hand. 'We hope it will help to raise awareness of the relevance and importance of breastfeeding, as well as the wide range of other services available.' The children's centre in Hatherleigh offers a 'Bumps to Babies' breastfeeding group every Wednesday from 10.30am to noon. A similar session will return to Okehampton in September, taking place at the All Saints Church Hall on Market Street on Wednesdays from 10am to 11am. Call Okehampton Children's Centre on 01837 658621 or Hatherleigh Children's Centre on 01837 811190 for more information.