A MOTHER and toddler group is celebrating a new start in a new building.

Skinningrove Mother and Toddler Group has a new home in the former primary school in the east Cleveland village thanks to £16,000 from Sure Start East Cleveland.

Sisters Clare Boyd and Maria Downs, secretary and treasurer of the group, are running the club three days a week.

Clare said: "We want it to be a real community facility. We originally started in October1998 but then it all stopped after the floods in July and November, 2000.

"We started the group again at the village hall in January and now we're in our new place. The Sure Start money has really helped a lot."

Sure Start programme manager Julie Connor said: "We're delighted to be able to help the group and wish the mums every success."

The group opens on Tuesdays from noon until 3pm and Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am until 1pm. Admission is 50p a session for each child.