A SCHEME providing a starter pack of a Moses basket of essentials to new Vale mums, has celebrated its first anniversary.

Baby Basics is aimed at mums struggling to cope with the financial and practical burden of a new baby.

Baby Basics coordinator Pauline Byrne said: "Since we launched a year ago we have already supported 60 mums across the Vale who would otherwise have struggled. New mums can feel really isolated and thanks to the support of local people we are able to show them that people care. Following recent concerns about baby box schemes, I want to reassure people that Baby Basics complies with the latest advice about safe sleeping for babies and we do not issue baby boxes - only Moses baskets. We are very grateful to Barry Town Council for grant funding which has allowed us to purchase the new mattresses required and to the Vale's mayor Janice Charles, who has selected us as one of her charities this year."

Vale mayor, Cllr Janice Charles said she was delighted to be supporting Baby Basics.

She said: “They are doing wonderful work supporting new mums. Everything they provide is free of charge and because referrals are made by midwives, and health visitors, this ensures that all donations reach those most in need."

For information, contact the Baby Basics coordinator, Pauline Byrne, on valebabybasics@yahoo.com or call 07933 918031.