Pound for pound, charity gains.

STAFF and regulars at a Coventry pub are counting the pounds in aid of city-based charity Baby Lifeline, which supports mums-to-be and new-born babies.

Around 25 people have agreed to a weekly weigh-in and will donate pounds 1 for every pound they lose and pounds 2 for every pound they put on.

Jane McGaffney, landlady of the Festival pub, in Leaf Lane, Styvechale, said the idea came to them when one of her friends found out she was pregnant.

Mum of four Mrs McGaffney, 46, who has run the pub with her husband Hugh, 50, for two years, said: "My friend doesn't want to be named yet as it is still early days.

"But we all decided we could do with losing a bit of weight and thought Baby Lifeline would be a great charity to do it for.

"We started about two weeks ago and have already raised about pounds 100. Hopefully by October we'll be able to get about pounds 1,000."

Anyone interested in taking part can contact the pub on 024 7684 7291.

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D18337_1 WEIGH-IN: Putting their weight behind the appeal are (front, from left) Sarah Rouse, Cadelle Tatlow and Sharon Bampton; and (back) Terry Duffy, Jenni Thompson, Bobbie Owen, Rick French, Jane McGaffney, Nick Bampton, Hugh McGaffney and John Rouse. Picture: MICHELLE SPERRY