A mother-of-two from Barton, Oxford, has been named the UK's baby caf Volunteer of the Year.

In January, a breastfeeding caf was opened at the Roundabout Centre, in Waynflete Road, Barton.

The Baby Cafe, which is open from 11.30am to 1.30pm, provides a weekly drop-in centre where local mums can meet and seek professional advice.

Camille Kalaja, 32, who has a baby daughter Joleen, and toddler son Clement, took part in a Peer Support training programme, which gave her the skills needed to give mother-to-mother support.

She was elected to the management committee and recently chosen for the top award, out of 84 baby cafs across the UK, by the Baby Caf Charitable Trust.

Ms Kalaja said: "I was very honoured to receive the award. I like being involved in supporting breastfeeding because it has such long-term benefits for the mother and child. I received a lot of help when my son was in hospital, and I want to give back some of that help to mothers in need."

Every Wednesday, Ms Kalaja welcomes mums and their babies, making them feel at ease and offering them refreshments.

She is planning to undertake further training to become a breastfeeding counsellor.

Alison Burton, Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust public health manager, said: "The Baby Caf and the volunteers have an important role in supporting mothers to breastfeed successfully.

The Caf is a partnership between the PCT, the Roundabout Centre and the local community.

"It is the commitment and dedication of Camille and all the volunteers who give their time that have ensured it is a success."

Studies show that breastfeeding can make a major contribution to infant health and development and also protects mothers against certain diseases.

Last month, plans to move a worldrenowned breastfeeding clinic at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford were put on hold.

In September, the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust announced the closure of the popular clinic, which opened in 1991.

The proposal prompted fierce opposition from hundreds of mums who had experienced problems breastfeeding. Following the protests, including the threat of a demonstration at the hospital, the trust said the clinic would not be closing, but would instead move from Level Six in the women's centre, to a number of different rooms on Level One.

It said the move was necessary because the space was needed for the Silver Star unit, which treats women with complications in pregnancy.

But campaigners opposed the move, and the plans were withdrawn.