A support group for new and expectant mothers which has been running "on a shoestring" since its launch is celebrating after receiving a cash boost.

Wantage Baby Bar has been given a £2,500 grant by Oxfordshire Community Foundation.

Organisers said the donation would enable the group, which was set up last September, to continue providing support and advice about breast-feeding and other issues to mothers.

Health visitor Lorraine Meadows, who helps run the project at Wantage Baptist Church, said: "We really have been running on a shoestring since the club was formed.

"The most expensive things are rent and providing refreshments. We started off with just £600 and and we've been stretched.

"The club has become a real success so we knew we would need more money. This will really help."

About 12 mothers attend the Baby Bar every Wednesday between 11.30am and 1.30pm to seek advice from health visitors, midwives and National Childbirth Trust breast-feeding counsellors.

A committee of volunteers was set up last January -- eight months before the club opened -- to apply for funding from agencies such as the National Lottery.

Oxfordshire Community Foundation grants manager Wally Cox said the organisation was impressed with the level of support provided by the Baby Bar.

He said: "We are delighted to contribute towards this valuable group.

"We like to support small, grass-roots community organisations which are making small but significant differences to people's lives."

Mr Cox, local GPs and other health service officials will visit the Baby Bar on February 11 for a celebratory presentation with mothers and babies.

For more information about the club, call 01235 774521.