PARENTS and carers of children aged five and under can access support via a brand new confidential texting service.

Dorset Healthcare has launched a new text messaging service to provide advice on a range of topics, including breastfeeding, weaning and sleeping, for parents and carers of young children.

Users can simply text 07312277162 to receive a response from a practitioner.

Juliet Singleton, service access lead for the 0-19 children and young people's service in Dorset, said: "It's fantastic news that we can now offer this additional service for parents and carers across the county.

"We want to encourage those that need support to text us so we can help them and provide the right advice in an easy and accessible way."

Parents and carers can seek advice via ParentLine from 9am until 5pm on weekdays. It is not an emergency service, and parents and carers are reminded they should contact their GP, NHS 111 or 999 for urgent medical attention.