NEWPORT mums have been hailed for their “vision and passion” after setting up a toddler group set to be rolled out across other parts of the city.

The women thought of launching the Mini Marvels parent and toddler group while attending a basic skills course designed to help them get into employment.

Now, the 16-strong group are celebrating after receiving a £750 council grant to launch Mini Marvels.

It is to be piloted at the Maesglas centre with plans to roll it out at community centres in Gaer and Duffryn this summer.

One mum, Kylie Coughlan, 25, said: “We built up such a strong group. We didn’t want to say goodbye and go our separate ways. I’m really excited. Some of the mums haven’t been able to get back into work since having children so it gives us a purpose.”

Mum-of-one Amee Cripps, 26, added: “It feels like we’re starting something for other people. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Caroyln Beddis, Communities First coordinator based at Maesglas Community Centre, added: “They have developed massively. They have a vision and passion.”

The centre assisted the mums as they applied for a Newport city council play development grant. The funding will enable them to buy equipment and paint for the weekly Wednesday group.

Centre project support worker Katrice Perrin, 23, said: “There is a need for pre-school environment.

“It will piloted here and rolled out to Gaer and Duffryn.”

The mothers will get their own uniform and receive formal training, which will help them run activities such as music, reading and crafts sessions.

Mum-of-one Kerry McAuley, 34, said: “I’m looking forward to the training. “We can get something out of it for job opportunities.”