16409/1BABIES as young as a few weeks old can take their first musical steps thanks to a new scheme running in Warminster and Westbury.

Caterpillar Music is run by Westbury mum Amanda Francis, who set up in business after struggling to find a part time job.

The classes, where under-fours play music using percussion instruments and puppets, began this week.

Mrs Francis, 39, of Matravers Close, said: "When I was pregnant I was trawling the internet and found the Caterpillar Music site. They sent me a package, then I forgot about it.

"When we moved to Westbury last July I found it again and everything went from there. I went to a class in London and thought it was great so I got the money together and bought the franchise.

"Even the very young will respond to music. They start to interact with each other as well."

The 40minute classes are open to babies from 12 weeks old and take place on Tuesdays at Warminster Assembly Hall and Thursdays at Westbury Leigh Community Centre. Sessions are at 9.40-10.20am for butterflies (18 months-four years) and 10.40-11.20am and 11.30am-12.10pm for caterpillars (12 weeks-three years).

For more information call (01373) 859225.