JO HAYWOOD talks to two York teenagers on a course where you don't get a certificate at the end of it - you get a baby.

WHEN England kicked off against Croatia in Euro 2004, Cameron kicked off in his mum. He's not due to make his debut into the world until July 19, but already he's proving to be a chip off the old block.

"I talk to him all the time," said his proud dad-to-be, 18-year-old James Osguthorpe. "I know he recognises my voice because he starts kicking. When I started shouting at the football, he woke up and started kicking like mad. It was brilliant; it was like he was already here."

James and his girlfriend Nikki are expecting their first child, who they have already decided to name Cameron, in less than a month.

They are both still teenagers, but they feel ready to take on the responsibility of a baby, thanks in no small part to the Dads 2 B project, run by York Hospitals NHS Trust.

Aimed at teenagers, this is a six-week programme offering health information, parental education and help in planning for the future.

Health visitors are on hand to answer questions about caring for a baby and any queries the dads-to-be might have about their own and their partner's health and welfare.

There is also information available about benefits and childcare, and staff from Future Prospects offer practical help when it comes to signing up for a college course or getting a job.

The dads project follows on from the success of the Mums 2 B course, also run by the NHS Trust and funded by the Teenage Pregnancy Unit, which has been running for 18 months.

"Just by signing up for this course, these lads are showing they're committed to being a part of their baby's life," said health visitor John Percival, as the group met for an informal get-together at Pizza Hut in Clifford Street. "It's great that they want to be involved at such an early stage."

Having a baby can be a shock to the system, especially if you value your sleep and your sanity, whatever age you are. But if you are a teenager earning minimum wage and still living at home with your mum, you need all the help you can get.

Gary Stannard, 19, was not shocked when he realised Donna, his girlfriend for three years, was pregnant - they had both known virtually from day one - but he was still left reeling under the weight of the impending responsibility.

"The fact that a baby was coming didn't phase me, that was fine," he explained. "It was all the stuff that comes with it; the practical stuff that needs paying for."

His job as a reservations advisor for a phone-based holiday company does not pay well, and he and his girlfriend both still live with their parents.

But at least they live in the same street, so Gary will be able to see the baby every day, and they are determined to set up home together soon.

"Most of us on the course are worried about the money side of things," he said.

"But we have been given loads of advice about benefits, and these things tend to work themselves out in the end.

"At the end of the day, I know we have got everything we need for the baby. And if I'm worried about anything, all I've got to do is ask. All of us lads are in the same boat, so you feel comfortable saying whatever you want."

Gary and Donna's baby, who they have decided to call Kiegan, is due on September 2, so they still have a little time left to prepare themselves. James and Nikki, on the other hand, have just four weeks to go; perhaps even less if Nikki has to have an early caesarean to avoid potential birthing problems caused by a cyst on her ovaries.

"The sooner the better for me," said James, who is obviously thrilled at the prospect of becoming a dad.

"We found out she was pregnant pretty early on, at about two months, so we've had a long time to get used to it. We both think about Cameron as if he's already here.

"We talk to him and think about him all the time. I just can't wait until he is actually here."

The couple have been together, on and off, for three years and recently moved into their own council home. After initial reservations, James's family are supportive. Unfortunately, Nikki's family don't feel the same and communications have come to a halt, bar one of her sisters who is also expecting.

"It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, I know we are ready for this," said James, known to his friends as Jammy.

""I used to be someone going nowhere. I was rough and I hadn't a clue what I was going to do with the rest of my life. My mum had gone through two tough divorces and my dad naffed off when I was young. I suppose I was rebelling in my own way, but it was all going to come to nothing in the end.

"Nikki changed all that. I don't drink any more and I only smoke rollies to save money. I even stay in and watch Coronation Street and EastEnders instead of going out."

James, who is studying electronics in the hope of securing a good job with a decent wage, credits Dads 2 B with helping him and Nikki sort out all their practical problems and parental worries so they can concentrate on the job at hand - raising their baby.

That doesn't mean, however, that James will be too busy to come back when the next six-week course begins to share his experiences with the new set of dads-to-be... and show off his new son.

"I can't wait to come back with Cameron and tell them how it really is," he said. "The course has been great, but I don't think anyone knows what it's going to be like being a dad until it happens. Nothing's certain, but I'm pretty sure I'll be okay."

If you would like more information about the Dads 2 B or Mums 2 B courses, phone Denise Robson on 07961 483687 (up to 7pm). You can also be referred by your midwife, health visitor, social worker, GP or Future Prospects adviser just ask.

Updated: 09:14 Thursday, June 24, 2004