BABIES and toddlers donned tiaras and tri-corn hats for a dip at Newton Abbot Leisure Centre.

The Water Babies group dressed up to raise money for charity at a Peppa Pig Pirates and Princesses-themed swimming lesson.

A spokesman said: ‘They had a wonderful time, lots of splashy fun!

Our toddlers in particular noticed the extra weight of swimming in their fancy dress costumes, which teaches them what it feels like to swim with clothes on should they ever fall into a pool or river. It’s an important safety skill for them to experience.’

The little ones were sponsored to swim a width in their fancy dress to raise funds for the baby charity Tommy’s, which funds research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. Together with 50,000 Water Babies groups from across the country they’re aiming to raise £1 million for the charity at this year’s event to help fund a new centre.

Rowan Bradford, of Water Babies Devon and Somerset, said: ‘We were all really excited to take part in the Tommy’s Splashathon. We are aiming to raise £27,000 and gave the boys and girls a really exciting class.’