Where: Various venues in Stroud district

When: From Wednesday, January 29

All mums and little ones in the Stroud area are welcome join a new exercise class to help feel healthier and find support and friendship.

Stroud District Council is running the new Mummy and Me classes from the end of January at three venues across the district.

They are suitable for mums who are six to eight weeks post-delivery and have been signed off by a health professional, and is open to those who have children aged up to two years.

There will be a baby zone where play gyms and toys will be provided, or mums can lift and stretch with their babies as part of the exercises. Mums with more than one child aged under two are welcome and safety permitting, they will be accommodated.

The classes can boost wellbeing, build muscle, improve sleep, strengthen the bond between mum and baby, and help mums meet other mums.

"The classes will allow mums to exercise in a safe and friendly environment and share the highs and lows of parenting together," said Becki Murray, healthy lifestyles officer for Children & Young People, who leads the classes. "I am looking forward to meeting other mums and having fun."

The community classes start from Wednesday, January 29, and will be at Stroud Subscription Rooms from 10am to 11am on Wednesdays; at King's Stanley Village Hall from 11.30am to 12.30pm on Thursdays; and Hardwicke Village Hall from 1.30pm to 2.30pm on Fridays. Classes cost £3 and are open to anyone whether they live in Stroud District or not.

Promoting health and wellbeing in its communities and working with others to deliver the public health agenda is one of the council's five key priorities in its Corporate Delivery Plan.

"I'm really pleased that these courses are starting across the district and I think they will be very popular," said Stroud District Council community and licensing committee chair, Councillor Mattie Ross. "Offering the chance to exercise, meet other mums and help bond with their babies is so valuable at a time of big change in mums' lives."

For more information please visit the Facebook group @mummyandmestroud or call 01453 754508.