A LONG-SERVING volunteer has been honoured by the Prime Minister and given an internationally-recognised award.

Elaine Edwards, found of charity Families and Babies, was named a Point of Light by Theresa May for her work providing help to families through a focus on breastfeeding.

Mrs Edwards said: "We are a small charity and its nice to be recognised for the work we do. It's given us such a morale boost across the team."

The Points of Light awards are daily awards to support the work of outstanding volunteers and Mrs Edwards was recognised on Wednesday. March 27.

In a letter to Mrs Edwards the Prime Minister Theresa May said: ""Drawing on your own experience, you are connecting mothers across the country and FAB is creating an invaluable support network and helping families to improve their health and wellbeing.

"You should feel very proud of what you have achieved and I wish you the best in your continued work."

Families and Babies is working on a new project at the moment focussing around post-natal depression in mothers and other family members.

The charity is holding a mental health support and wellbeing group at its Bolton centre and therapeutic furniture upcycling sessions run by Marie Longworth.

Mrs Edwards said: "We're doing Workshop Wednesdays and Therapeutic Thursdays, helping people with mental health issues by painting furniture.

"They can have a couple of hours in complete silence or come in for a chat.

"We want to support the whole family ­— not just mums and babies ­— dads, grandparents, anyone that's feeling down or sad.

"We have a safe space."

The new direction came about because Families and Babies found more and more people they were helping needed support with their mental health too.

To contact Families and Babies call 0300 020 0777 or find out more on their website familiesandbabies.org.uk online.