MUMS and dads in Droitwich Spa who are dying for a night out on the tiles can now take advantage of a new babysitting service.

Droitwich Spa and Bromsgrove have been chosen to pilot a new website, www.sitterswap.com, which will offer mums and dads free babysitting by police-vetted parents.

"Bromsgrove and Droitwich are perfect for the pilot because they're thriving towns with thousands of parents who could enjoy life a little more if only they could find a babysitter. Sitterswap is one of the safest ways to find a sitter because the only people doing the sitting are fellow parents and certainly not inexperienced students, nannies or au pairs," said the service's co-founder, Ann O'Brien.

Parents can use the service if they fancy a night out or would like some help with the daily school run. All members must pass a rigorous police check and no other sitter agencies are involved. No fees are paid for any babysitting sessions.

Members simply specify how far they are willing to travel to find a sitter. The website then lists all those sitters who live within that area. They can then arrange to meet the parents and if everyone is happy the sitting can take place.

"Sitterswap should mean the end of long drawn out searches for sitters. Some parents will use it for help with the school run.

"For others, it maybe the search engine that lets mums and dads find themselves once again," she said.

For further details call John Whelan on 07981 243848.