MUMS and toddlers are making the most of a pool in Newport which is among the first in the UK to win baby-friendly status.

Newport Centre pool features in the newly-released Huggies Little Swimmers baby-friendly pool directory.

It has won the stamp of approval through its baby swimming classes, changing room facilities, pool temperatures and swim pant guidelines.

Parent and toddler (Tadpoles) swim sessions for children aged four months to two-and-a-half-years take place at the Newport Centre from 10am to 11am on Mondays and Fridays during term time.

Mum Mair West, 26, of Greenwood Drive, Cwmbran, takes her five-month-old son Gruffydd Davies to the pool.

He was nervous at first but soon took to the water.

"It's important to get them in at a young age so they aren't frightened and it's always good to learn to swim," said Mair.

Instructor Sherri Price has taught babies to swim for five years.

She said: "We need to teach them about water safety and it's good for exercise. It's lovely seeing them progress."

The baby-friendly pool directory was created with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and the Institute of Sports and Recreation Management (ISRM).

For further information on classes at Newport Centre call the contact centre on 01633 656757.