Breastfeeding mothers are being urged to join together to simultaneously feed their babies to raise vital funds for ill and premature newborn infants in Norfolk.

Organisers of the Big Latch On are encouraging businesses and mums to get involved with the Norwich festival to fundraise for the neonatal intensive care unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (N&N).

Tina Carter, co-founder of Norwich group Breastfeeding Beyond One, said: 'We want to show Norfolk and the UK what a warm, open and supporting breastfeeding community we have here.

'Support is key to successful breastfeeding and we are all committed to the continuing awareness and education of breastfeeding.'

Last year's event at Eaton Park counted 58 mums and this year organisers want participants to create the formation of a love heart. An aerial photograph will then be taken before independent adjudicators count the number of how many people have taken part.

Following the photo there will be a family fun festival with stalls, focusing on all things pregnancy and baby related. There will also be a raffle with tickets selling at £1 each.

All funds raised from the festival will go towards raising money for a hospital grade breast pump at the N&N, which costs £1,200.

Rachel Woolterton, of charity Action for Children, said: 'Breastfeeding support in the community is invaluable.

'At our weekly breastfeeding drop-in mums come along to receive support either from myself or from each other. The mums tell us how they value getting help from those that understand, making friendships, knowing they are not alone and sharing their experiences in a relaxed, welcoming and reassuring environment.'

Organisers are also appealing to local businesses to donate and loan provisions, including flags, bunting, a megaphone, PA equipment, straw bails to sit on, gift boxes, packaging materials for prizes and baby and toddler size t-shirts that can be produced with a print and sold on the day.

The event takes place at Chapelfield Gardens at 10am on August 2.

• For more information or if you can help or want to take part visit www.biglatchon.org or search Norwich Big Latch On via Facebook.

• Are you organising a special event in the city? Email reporter donna-louise.bishop@archant.co.uk or ring 01603 693892.