A TEDDY bear's picnic will launch a new support group in Otley for parents expecting a multiple birth.

Helen Page, of Fowlers Croft, knows from personal experience how much of a shock it can be for an expectant mother to discover she is going to have twins, triplets or quadruplets.

The 25-year-old was eight weeks pregnant when she found out she was expecting twins (due in August), and remembers having a massive list of questions to ask - but being unable to find a group to help.

She said: "There are groups around, including one in Menston, but they are very difficult to get to from Otley when you have three young children, no car and need to be back in time to do the school or pre-school run.

"I'm lucky to have Internet access and to have looked after my friend's twins when they were small, but not everyone is this lucky"

Through TAMBA, the Twins and Multiple Births Association, and Twinsclub.co.uk, Helen made contact with other mums interested in starting a group focussed on supporting parents and carers of multiple birth families.

Otley Multiples will be launched at a Teddy bear's picnic at Wharfemeadows Park at 1pm on Wednesday, May 28.

Anyone interested in finding out more can contact her on 07939 535 260 or visit www.groups.yahoo.com/group/OtleyMultiples..