A GOUROCK church elder says having her baby daughter inspired her to set up a new toddler group to tackle loneliness amongst new parents.

New mum Jeni Tweed, who works as a high school computing teacher, has decided to put her maternity leave to good use by setting up 'Little Rascals @ OGA' - a weekly baby and toddler session at Old Gourock and Ashton Church hall.

Jeni, who is mum to four-month-old Katie, wanted to set up the group to bring families together.

The 30-year-old said: When you're a mum it can be lonely if you don't go to classes.

"Things like this class are great because it's free, apart from a wee donation for tea and coffee.

"We put all the toys out and the children can play and it's also a chance for mums, dads, grans and granddads, aunts and uncles, to have a wee catch up and chat over a cuppa.

"It's a great way for the children to socialise but also the adults too.

"The church used to have a baby and toddler group but we've not had one for a few years.

"I'm one of the elders and I'd just had a wee one who is now four months old so it just felt like the right thing to take it over and re-start the class."

Jeni, who is formerly from Gourock but now lives in Dougliehill Place in Port Glasgow, was delighted to welcome 13 babies and toddlers and their families to the new class on Tuesday.

She said: "It was great to see them at the first class.

"One of the babies was three weeks old and we had children right up to two.

"The class is a very relaxed atmosphere and it doesn't matter if you turn up late."

Jeni plans to go back to work part-time but will keep the class running every Tuesday from 10am until noon.

The class is open to newborn babies up to children aged two.

For more information phone 07946889322.