Diageo is to pay for 10,000 midwives to be trained in warning expectant mothers of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

The involvement of the Guinness and Smirnoff producer is part of the government's Responsibility Deal, which aims to ramp up the involvement of the private sector in public health. It is hoped more than three million expectant mothers will be helped by the scheme over the next three years.

"This pledge is a great example of how business can work with NHS staff to provide women with valuable information," said public health minister Anne
Milton. "Midwives are one of the most trusted sources of information and advice for pregnant women."

The government advises pregnant women to avoid drinking alcohol but, if they do, to drink only one to two units once or twice a week.