A MUM who started up a business during lockdown to help build children's confidence through song and speech is thriving after her team hosted its 1,000th class last week.

Rachael Collett, who lives in Edgeworth, set up Baby Gaga earlier this year after her work in entertainment ceased due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The business, which is based on Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, hosts 57 classes a week, with hundreds of parents, babies and toddlers coming through its doors.

Classes range from newborns to four-year-olds - and include singing, sensory activities and techniques to improve speech. Business is booming, with long waiting lists to get spaces for classes.

Rachael, a professional singer and actor by trade, said: "After such a challenging year, my passion for helping others was stronger than ever.

"I wanted to bring a safe, positive and fun space for our little ones to learn amazing life skills, vocal and speech skills, have a tonne of fun, and most of all bond with their parents in a social setting, surrounded by positivity and love.

"It felt like a pipe dream, to combine all the skills I’ve learned over the years and create a new style of baby classes, in our very own venue, with classes proven to give amazing results.

"I decided this year, that it was now or never."

Despite only being allowed to open for one day in January before England was plunged into a third national lockdown, Baby Gaga has went from strength to strength since business resumed in April.

Baby Gaga held its 1,000th class last week

Baby Gaga held its 1,000th class last week

Although some people thought Rachael was mad launching a business through turbulent pandemic times, she felt certain that parents and children in the region needed her services.

She is particularly passionate about the importance of building confidence through speech, as her youngest daughter Evalie, two, has had some issues with hers.

Rachael added: "I’m a professionally trained actor and vocalist and have taught singing, speech and musical theatre to children for many years.

"The arts are my absolute passion and I adore watching children find their voice, build their confidence and celebrate who they are through my lessons.

"Singing is proven to improve your mental health. Confidence in speech is proven to have amazing long term results in both career and socialisation.

"And sensory is so so important to help our teeny ones explore in an engaging, intriguing, educational and safe way.

"I've had a lot of feedback from parents that our classes have been great for their mental health. I'm just glad that I've managed to bring something positive to this community."