A baby clinic with a difference in Derwentside is proving a success.

Health visitors have moved the clinic from doctors' surgeries to a children's play centre, in an effort to make the service more accessible.

A team of health experts from Derwentside Primary Care Trust is on hand every Friday, from 10am to noon, during school term time, at Mr Twisters soft play centre, in Consett.

The scheme was the idea of health visitor Tracey Askew, who is based in Leadgate.

She said: "I thought that rather than have people come to us in the clinics, that the clinic should go to the patients.

"I approached Mr Twisters to see if they would accommodate us and they were happy to help. It gives us the space to talk to parents as a group.

"It brings together all the health visitors within the Consett area, so each can offer their particular expertise."

Parents from Consett, Stanley, Durham and Gateshead take their babies to be weighed and measured, and seek advice on a range of health issues, including baby massage, dental health, illnesses and accidents.

For further details, contact (01207) 215153.