A Seaton woman has marked two years of business with a celebratory children's party at Seaton Village Hall.

Louise O’Neill, who runs interactive multi-sensory music and movement Moo Music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, started the business two years ago after taking a break from her teaching career.

She said: "Taking a break from my teaching career to run these classes was a huge decision to make. There were no Moo Music classes in Cumbria at the time, but I just loved the classes and how they were such fun while developing skills from birth through to school age. I am so glad I took the plunge and the business is going from strength to strength."

"I am so excited for future plans. I would like to thank my family and friends for their support. I would also like to thank the babies, children and grown-ups who come along and make the classes such fun each week."

"Some of the children have been coming to Moo Music classes from the start, and some now come with their baby siblings! We had a second birthday party for Maggie Moo (our main character in the classes) at Seaton Village Hall and everyone had a wonderful time!"

The award-winning music classes feature the character, Maggie Moo, who takes the children on a new adventure each week. They could go into space, under the sea, to the funfair or to a treasure island.

Louise said: "We always start with the same songs for familiarity, then we have a mix of songs to go with the week's theme where we will have singing, dancing, sensory fun, role-play, tummy-time, puppet shows, dressing up, sometimes a craft or fingerprint/footprint keepsake, games and other fun activities all developing senses and skills for babies and children.

"We always finish with bubbles which the babies and children love. The interactive sessions help children to gain confidence and develop memory, language and coordination skills in a multi-sensory way."

The children sing songs about all sorts of things so that they learn about the world around them.

Word of mouth has helped Louise's business to grow. She said: "So many new customers tell me that a friend highly recommended my classes to them, which is so lovely to hear and I really appreciate it. Last term I even had baby booked on before they had been born as they didn’t want to miss out on a place!"

Parents seem to enjoy the classes as much as the children.

Vicki Charlotte said: "Louise makes this class truly outstanding. The classes are so well planned. For anybody that hasn't been before it's so much more than 'just singing'. There's parachutes, shark games, sensory baskets, fine and gross motor skills activities."

Rachel Hoskin said: "We love everything about Moo Music! Louise is amazing at her job and Kai has come on so much since going! You don't realise in the midst of all the fun they learn so many key skills! 100 per cent recommend - we love Maggie Moo!"

Suzanne Blair started taking her daughter to Moo Music when she was a couple of months old. She said: "Her face when we walk in the room and hear the welcome song is priceless. She loves Moo Music and the social interaction with the other babies. It is lovely to see so many friendships develop in the classes, for children and for the grown-ups."

Classes are held at Embleton Village Hall, Cockermouth, Seaton Village Hall, St Bridget's Parish of Moresby Church Hall and Monkey Madhouse in Workington.

For babies there is a baby massage and sensory class, and Baby Moo classes. Mini Moo is for toddlers and pre-schoolers. There are also Mixed Moo classes which are good for parents or groups of friends with children of different ages.

On top of her weekly classes, Louise also runs sessions for nurseries and playgroups, Moo Doos (birthday parties) for babies and children and one-off special events throughout the year.

There are still some places available for September classes, which should be booked at www.bookwhen.com/moomusicww.

To find out more about Louise’s Moo Music classes visit Facebook: Moo Music Workington and Whitehaven, or email Louise on lou@moo-music.co.uk