ANDREA BAKER began her lifelong love affair with everything French at the tender age of nine.

She had crossed the Channel for a magical stay with a family as part of an exchange visit with classmates from Carr Mill Junior School and was instantly enchanted by the French, their culture and language.

Now 25 years later Andrea is sharing her passion with a new young ‘crop’ of Petits Pois, as she calls her French classes for 0-7 year olds.

“I've always had a passion for the language which I put down to the opportunities I was given as a child” said Andrea.

She went on to teach in France and England for more than 10 years.

But it was after having her own little ones Joseph (five) and Charlie (three) that Andrea came up with the idea of providing fun-packed language sessions for youngsters from the age of three months.

So Les Petits Pois Fun French was set up in 2015. Last year Andrea enlisted the aid of her French friend Blandine Cart from Rainford as Petits Pois rolled out into new venues.

Now 18 sessions take place across St Helens, Wigan and Warrington for parent and baby, parent and toddler, plus after-school fun. These also include events for childminders and day nurseries.

Andrea continued: “The younger that children can start learning a language, the better.Very young children can mimic new sounds almost perfectly, much to their parents’ amazement. And babies as young as 12 months are able to follow instructions in French.

“Sessions are themed and the children learn through singing, stories, craft and play. The learning is wrapped up inside the fun activities.”

Petits Pois sessions are held in Lester Drive Centre, Eccleston and Gioco play centre in Ardwick Street, St Helens.

Nurseries include Heirs and Graces, Rathlee, Portico Lodge and Planet Kids.

For more information or to book a taster, please visit Andrea’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/lespetitspoisfunfrench, email lespetitspoisfunfrench@yahoo.com or call Andrea on 07563576318