PARENTS in Haverthwaite are fund-raising to open a toddlers group in the village.

Mother-of-two Caroline Handy said the former parent and toddlers group in the village folded about three years.

Recently the demand for such a group had increased because of an upturn in birth rates in the area. Mrs Handy said there were a number of young babies in the area whose parents had shown an interest in using a group.

At the moment, parents have to travel to Allithwaite and Grange-over-Sands for the nearest session.

Mrs Handy, along with two other parents, hopes to open the parent and toddlers group in the Leven Valley and District Community Centre on Friday mornings.

"We are hoping to open it as soon as possible as people in the area have shown interest and I believe there are quite a few babies in the Backbarrow area, but everything costs money. We need insurance and a number of toys first. We also hope to run an arts and craft session for the older ones so we need equipment for that as well," said Mrs Handy.

The group will be open to parents, grandparents and guardians with pre-school age children. Organisers hope to have craft activities at the beginning of the session, a baby corner and singing time for the youngsters.

"It won't just be a free-for-all, we are planning to make it quite structured," said Mrs Handy.

The group received a welcome boost in the form of a £250 grant from the Low Furness and Ulverston Neighbourhood Forum. Mrs Handy said they had opened up a bank account and were planning to join the Pre-school Learning Alliance.

Anyone who would like to make a donation of either toys or money can contact Mrs Handy on 015395-30638.

February 13, 2003 10:00