STAFF at a Bolton family centre were seeing double when nearly 20 sets of twins turned up for tea.

Mums and dads with twins and triplets were invited to join a new support group at the Sure Start Centre in Shepherd Cross Street, Halliwell, yesterday.

But before all the children and parents arrived, staff had to gather two sets of toys, two lots of treats -- and a double-pack of dummies.

The support group has been set up at the centre by Home-Start, a charity that helps families with children under the age of five.

Volunteers thought it would good idea to bring together parents with twins and triplets, who face twice and three times as many challenges as other mums and dads.

Those who attended the first meeting were delighted to be able to make friends with other families who were facing similar problems and experiences.

Halliwell mum Sharon Mason, whose twins Todd and Ellis are four years old, said: "It's great to meet so many other people in the same boat. Having twins can be twice as much work, but you get twice as much love as well."

Members of the support group will also have access to a team of health care workers when they attend the centre on Tuesday afternoons.

Midwives will invite mums expecting twins and triplets to attend if they need any extra help or advice.

Harsha Best, from Heaton, said she was amazed at how many parents were at the meeting when she turned up with her 17-month-old toddlers Vicky and Harry.

"This is a fantastic idea," she said. "Bringing up twins can be a lot of fun and it's nice to be able to share it with other people as well."

Paula Williams, the group's organiser, now wants even more mums and dads to attend.

She said: "By helping families come together for information and advice we hope to give them all the support they need now and in the future."

Meetings will held every other Tuesday from 1pm until 3pm. For more information call 01204 362786.