A new scheme in Denholme has been set up by a team of health visitors to provide a meeting place for parents and toddlers.

First Steps meets once a week in the Mechanics Institute, giving youngsters the chance to play and learn and mothers a place to meet and find out information on a range of issues and services.

Health visitor Helena Lee said there were plans to bring in people from the Citizens' Advice Bureau, the Key House project and New Deal representatives to provide information for parents.

"We're also planning activities like healthy eating and nutrition and providing play opportunities for pre-school children," she said.

"We've had two meetings so far and the feedback from parents has been very positive."

The 12-week pilot scheme, funded by South and West Primary Care Trust, was launched after a recent fun day in the Mechanics Institute.

Helena, and fellow health visitors Bev Clough and Nicki Cook, hope the scheme will become permanent after the trial run.

They plan to forge links with Keighley College, allowing parents to train and learn new skills while their children are cared for.

First Steps is free and meets every Wednesday from 1.30pm to 3pm.

Parents with pre-school children in Denholme are also welcome to attend.

The group will continue to meet during the school summer holiday.