NEW and expectant mothers are poised to take the plunge at special swimming sessions.

Sheryl O'Lone and Margaret Hayton, members of the Priory midwife team, at Guisborough Hospital's maternity unit, are setting up aqua natal classes at Loftus Leisure Centre.

Aimed at ante-natal and postnatal women, they have been arranged by Sure Start East Cleveland, the Government- backed initiative aimed at giving children under four, and their families, a healthy start in life.

The classes, which start on Monday, and run from 10am to 11am, are free to people living in the Sure Start area of Loftus, Carlin How, Skinningrove and Easington, with a small charge for those outside of the area.

Julie Conner, a Sure Start manager, said: "Part of the Sure Start programme is to bring new activities into the area to help young mothers. This was Sheryl's idea to give babies a sure start."

Ms O'Lone said: "Research suggests that aqua natal sessions can have positive health benefits for clients and can shorten labour. Swimmers and non-swimmers are welcome."