TEACHERS and pupils at a Westbrook primary school will think they're seeing double and even treble when the new term starts today, Thursday.

Three sets of twins and a set of triplets will be joining their four-year-old friends in the two reception classes at St Philip's Primary School.

Sisters Charlotte, Jasmin and Katrina Dobson, who live with their parents Andrew and Lynn in Welshpool Close, Callands, have been looking forward to their first day of school and as well as twin boys Daniel and Thomas Johnstone from Old Hall and a set of twin girls, they will be joined by Kane and Courtney Lamb, of Hayscastle Close in Callands.

Mum Janice Lamb said: "Fortunately, Kane and Courtney are in the same class so they will be going to school together each day and they're very excited - particularly because we bought their new uniforms early!"

The nine youngsters were all born between September 1, 1998 and August 31, 1999, and will turn five during the next school year.

Malcolm Roxburgh, director of education at the borough council, played down the idea that there was something in the water in Warrington that resulted in a high number of multiple births five years ago for fear of upsetting local utility companies, but he did say it was an unusual story.

Mr Roxburgh said: "There is a two-form entry at St Philip's Primary School and it would have been even more unusual had there been only one class.

"We haven't scientifically measured the figures but there do seem to be more sets of twins and triplets starting school this year - more than the norm at least."

Multiple births are recorded with the total number of maternities for each calendar year and out of 2,402 pregnancies in Warrington in 1998 there were 48 multiple births.

The number dropped slightly in 1999, with 39 multiple births out of a total of 2,393 in the borough.