Blyth Valley Breast-feeding Peer Support picked up the £1,000 prize money after securing top spot in the 'Pitch your Project' event.

The event – organised by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with the Foundation Trust Network and volunteering charity TimeBank – gave five fledgling voluntary health organisations the chance to pitch ideas on how they would increase their volunteer numbers.

Speaking after their win, Angela Hibbert, of the support group, said: "I am really thrilled.

"The day was such fun and we all learned so much, to win is a bonus."

Despite facing the expert 'dragons' and having the event filmed, participants thought the atmosphere was supportive and encouraging.

It also gave them a chance to discuss activities between themselves, with a conversation with a local disability forum leading to a discussion about improving the hospital admissions process for those with learning disabilities.

Ian McMinn, Trust Dragon, said: "It has been a really enjoyable day and we have made useful contacts in the community."

Officials from Blyth Valley Breast-feeding Peer Support were presented with their award at the maternity unit at Wansbeck General Hospital, where they were joined by staff and mothers and babies they have helped.

For more information about Pitch your Project, visit www.journeystohealth.org