A 19-day-old water baby made a splash at a Dudley health centre when she went for her first swim.

Eloise Evans, the youngest swimmer to ever enter the pool at Top Notch Health Club in Thorns Road, Wall Heath, has started her swimming career early with the centre’s regular Water Babies swim class.

Her mother Diana, 31, of Whitefriars Drive, Halesowen said: “”I like swimming myself so thought I’d give it a go.

“I was worried beforehand that she would just cry the whole time but she seemed to enjoy it – she even slept for some of it which was a bit surprising.”

Mrs Evans, who is currently on maternity leave from her job as senior accountancy assistant at Wyre Forest District Council, said she was recommended the lessons by her twin sister

Helena Verco, who gave birth to her first child Thomas 13 weeks ago.

“It wasn’t planned to do that together – it’s worked out quite well though as we can share tips.”Water Babies instructor Heidi Hunter said the classes were a good way to build youngsters’ confidence in water, and could teach them valuable life saving techniques.

“By the age of four months they can often hold on to the sides, and we take them under water so if they fall in they don’t panic,” she said.

She added that the youngest ever Water Baby took to the pool at just three days old, and was one of the instructors’ children.