TINY tots are stretching their legs in new gymnastics classes for babies.

The sessions, being run at Middlesbrough's Southlands Leisure Centre, are the latest in the region to be started by gym coach Joanne Dicken.

She began them after the British Gymnastics Association lowered its minimum age limit for youngsters taking part in the sport.

Despite the poor turnout at the first Southlands session, on Thursday, Ms Dicken said she is hopeful it will catch on.

"We only had two in the class, but based on my experience elsewhere, I think it will pick up," she said.

"Usually, classes gain popularity by word of mouth."

Ms Dicken, who also teaches gymnastics to older children, said the benefits for babies are manifold.

"We do a lot of coordination and balance," she said.

"They learn social skills as well as gaining physical benefits. The emphasis is on fun."

The sessions run every Thursday from 9.30am to 10.15am at Southlands Leisure Centre, in Ormesby Road.