A GROUP for mothers of twins and triplets in Basing-stoke is in danger of closing.

The Basingstoke Twins Club is to stop meeting because its organisers are too busy and not enough people have volunteered to fill their places.

Basingstoke is reckoned to have the highest rate of multiple births in Hampshire and the group has more than 70 members.

Clare Ratcliff, from Cranbourne, Basingstoke, a member who has two sets of twins, has made a plea for the 28-year-old club to carry on.

The 36-year-old, of Stocker Close, said: “Having twins is like doubling all the demands of having a baby. It’s difficult because if you’re on your own, you can’t take your children swimming or do other normal activities.

“Mothers who have given birth to multiple children have a higher rate of post-natal depression than those who don’t. I’ve experienced it myself.

“This service is particularly important in Basingstoke where we have the highest multiple-birth rate in Hampshire.”

The group’s committee made the decision that it would not be able to continue beyond August as the current organisers will be busy when their children start school.

It has been meeting every Monday, from 10am to 12pm, at the Ridgeway Centre, in Blackdown Close, Buckskin.

Mrs Ratcliff added: “We’ve got two or three people willing to volunteer, but we need two or three more. People would just need to help make cups of tea and things like that and with the right amount of people it would only be once a month.

“We also desperately need a treasurer.”

If you can help, contact the club organiser, Helen Ridge, on 01264 720256.