SLEEPLESS nights caused by crying babies could be a thing of the past, thanks to a baby massage technique.

Complementary therapist Ann Ball first discovered baby massage two years ago when her son Jack had problems with colic.

She said: "Even though I was a trained therapist I didn't feel confident enough to massage him myself, but I was determined to learn."

She trained at Newcastle General Hospital on a course run by the International Association of Infant Massage and has been teaching classes in Sherburn, near Durham City, and Chester-le-Street ever since.

The five-week course teaches parents the technique, which can help with colic, wind and respiratory and digestive problems.

It also soothes restless babies and helps mothers bond with their babies. Mrs Ball said: "Baby massage is becoming increasingly popular, and I know it is absolutely fantastic because I have used it myself.

"We are now three weeks into the course at Sherburn and the babies are starting to get used to the massage and enjoy it.

"I have had a lot of very positive feedback from mums taking part."

For details about the classes, visit the website at www.communigate.co.uk/ne/babymassage or call Ann Ball, on 0191-372 0798.