MOTHERS and mothers-to-be celebrated the second anniversary of the East Cleveland Sure Start/Priory midwives aquanatal sessions at Loftus Baths yesterday. More than 50 expectant mothers in east Cleveland have taken part in the pool-based exercise which was launched to promote a healthy pregnancy and possibly shorten labour.

Mothers continue to attend the sessions until their babies are 18 months old, and all mothers and babies who have attended aquanatal in the past are being invited back for a party, including a healthy eating lunch.

Sure Start link midwife and Priory midwife Sheryl O'Lone said: "We have got a lot to celebrate.

"Not only have many mums and babies benefited from the aquanatal class, but we have coffee time afterwards and mums get a lot of support from each other."