Staff from McDonald's in Wellingborough came to Melissa Donovan's rescue after she received the abuse while in the fast-food restaurant.

The mother-of-three from Ashton Grove, Wellingborough, said there were not enough places in her town centre to breastfeed her baby.

She added that she was worried the attitude of people like the teenage girls in McDonald's might put many young mothers off breastfeeding completely.

She said: "I was subjected to some vile abuse from a group of teenage girls when I fed my baby, which made me feel quite uncomfortable and angry.

"The girls suggested I feed her in the toilet, but how many adults would like to eat their lunch in a toilet?

"The staff at McDonald's were very supportive and helped me out, but the incident left me feeling shocked.

"I am a firm believer that breast is best, and having breast fed my two sons until they were 10-months-old, I intend to do the same with my baby daughter Yvainne."

Nicola Hollis, general manager at McDonald's in Wellingborough, said: "I was happy to support Mrs Donovan during this incident. We have no problem with mothers breastfeeding in store."