MORE than 1,000 babies and children from across the region donned their tiaras and tri-corn hats during their weekly swimming class to raise money for baby charity Tommy’s.

The youngsters, who took part in a ‘Splashathon’ fundraiser, were sponsored to swim a width in fancy dress in a Peppa Pig Pirates and Princesses themed swimming lesson.

The efforts raised £37,446 for Tommy’s Baby Charity which provides vital research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth.

Pamela Hargreaves, who runs Water Babies Tees Valley and Durham said: “We are so unbelievably proud of all our swimmers for raising such an incredible amount of money.

“The money raised will help Tommy’s continue to do their vital research and fund a new centre dedicated to ensuring the best maternity care is available to every parent, every baby, everywhere."

The Northern Echo:

Riccy Bradshaw and Milly Craven from Water Babies Tees Valley and Durham with Bubba the Whale

Together with 50,000 Water Babies from across the country they raised £ 930,111 to help fund Tommy’s vital research.

To find out more about the fundraiser visit

www.tommys.org/splashathon

Water Babies classes are available in Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Stockton, Redcar, Darlington, Brotton, Ingleby Barwick, Thornaby, and Durham.

For more information call 01642-711734, email

offtherail@waterbabies.co.uk

or visit

www.waterbabies.co.uk