BEAMING babies splashed away with delight at a swimming club in Snaresbrook which celebrates its first birthday this summer.

The north east London branch of Water Babies, which teaches tots as young as a few months old to learn basic swimming techniques, has grown from strength to strength since being established last year.

The group has expanded from teaching just over 200 babies last autumn to its current total of 550 youngsters, who attend the club's courses along with their proud mums and dads at pools across Redbridge, including the Sylvestran Centre in Forest School, Snaresbrook, and Ilford County High.

April Beeson, administrator of the group, said: "It's not just about having fun but building up confidence for both the babies and their parents.

"We also teach a lot of important safety techniques. When babies are on their own in water and panic they can drown, so we teach babies things like being calm and relaxed in water.

"We also teach them to hold on to the side of pool in case they fall in."

Mum Julie Crabbe, 40, said her 11-month-old son Tom loved the sessions.

She said: "When he sees the pool he can't wait to get in.

"I heard about the lessons through a friend. At first I had no idea what to expect but the sessions are so much fun. I think it's brilliant."

Parents and babies have also been taking part in a special 'Splashathon' event this week, raising money for Tommy's Charity, a group which researches and helps families who have suffered miscarriages.

Becky Kiddell, 34, was there with her 15-month-old daughter Bonnie.

She said: "She absolutely loves it. It's made her so much more confident in water in general, she loves bath times now too."

Visit waterbabies.co.uk for more information about the classes, which run in 10-week courses.