Colne teenager Rhys says breast is best

12:07pm Friday 16th May 2008

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A TEENAGE boy has joined the crusade to get more mums breastfeeding.

Rhys Catterall, 14, of Casserley Road, Colne, had his poster displayed at roadshows to promote Breastfeeding Awareness Week, after he was inspired by the work of East Lancashire's breastfeeding support group.

The Park High School pupil decided to take time out from studying for his GCSEs to design the poster at home, but East Lancashire Primary Care Trust bosses were so impressed with his efforts that they added it to their own displays.

Rhys's poster, used throughout the awareness week which ends today, shows a mother breastfeeding, protecting her child from childhood and long-term illnesses.

The art student, who aims to be a graphic designer, was breastfed himself and his mum Rebecca is a volunteer working with both the Little Angels breastfeeding service in Blackburn with Darwen, and the Milk! support groups in Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, Rossendale and the Ribble Valley.

He said: "Mum was doing a lot of work in the run up to the awareness week, and they needed some posters about the benefits so I gave it a go."