NEW mums in Darwen are invited to turn their offspring into real water babies with the launch of a new exercise scheme.

Staff at Surestart, a government funded organisation that helps families with children from birth to four years old, have set up a new 'aqua-natal' session.

In conjunction with health visitors, midwives and leisure centre staff, the project is part of Blackburn with Borough Council's Fitness for Life programme and has also been designed for mums-to-be.

Jackie Hunt, a Primary Care Trust health visitor, said: "All new mums and mums-to-be from Darwen are very welcome to come and give it a go.

"The sessions will be fun and informative."

The sessions will run every Friday between noon and 2pm at Darwen Leisure Centre starting on Friday. Non-swimmers are welcome and a creche will be provided.