Launched in April the group aims to prevent the isolation felt by many parents, carers, children and siblings of multiple births and welcomes pregnant parents as well as babies, toddlers and young children.

The group was founded by Helen Page from Otley and Claire Fursey from Guiseley - both mothers of twins who know first hand how hard life with more than one baby can be.

The group is a branch of Yorkshire Multiples Group which also runs other groups in Whitkirk and Wakefield.

Helen said "I met Claire at a farm when I was 36 weeks pregnant with my girls, she came up to me and asked if it was having twins because of the shape of my bump. From there we've become friends and I've been lucky to have her at the end of the phone when I'm having a rubbish day and need to here someone say it's normal".

The group aims to prevent the social exclusion faced by many parents of twins and triplets.

Claire added: "When you enter a room and person organising the group makes a huge fuss out of your arrival - announcing you as 'so and so with the twins', when they allow taster sessions for classes which aren't suitable for multiple births or when you have two children playing up and everyone's staring at you, giving you pitiful glances, it gets increasingly difficult to feel normal and you feel less and less inclined to go anywhere, this is why multiple birth support groups are so important".

The group meets at Queensway Children's Centre in Yeadon which has proved to be a fantastic choice. Not only do they have access to toys but also to a safe, outdoor play area which will come into it's own over the summer months.

Helen said: "I'm so pleased with the children's centre, no only is it a safe, practical environment for children so you can relax more than you can at a toddler group in say a church hall, but there are loads of things for them to do and the staff are really helpful and supportive".

In order to further help parents and carers of multiples, the group have joined forces with a health visitor from Yeadon Clinic, who they hope will be able to visit the group once a month to provide advice, support and reassurance in a friendly and relaxed environment, to mothers who find clinic visits very difficult and stressful.

The group also hopes that this link will enable parents and carers to voice any difficulties which they might be having accessing services so that changes can be made in the way services are delivered.

Wharfedale and Aireborough Multiples Group meet at Queensway Children's Centre, Coppice Wood Avenue, Yeadon every Monday (excluding bank holidays) from 12.45 - 2.45. Cost £2 per family and £7.50 annual membership to Yorkshire Multiples Group.

* Visit: www.wam-group.webs.com or telephone Helen on 07939 535260