A SOFT play centre and café for youngsters has been officially opened by a special guest.

North-West Durham MP Pat Glass declared Crazy Crocs Softplay Café on Wesley Street, Consett, open for business on Monday.

It is aimed at younger children, and designed to allow parents and childminders to socialise while little ones play in a safe environment.

There are an assortment of tea, coffee, cakes, biscuits and breakfast options available.

Owner Lisa Price said: “It has been a dream of mine to open the café and to see it finally open and welcoming our first customers after planning its launch for the past two years is an amazing feeling.

“Since the closure of Sure Start, I noticed a gap in the market for this type of local service and together with my partner, Lee Moore, we set about putting this plan into action.

“Being based near the centre of Consett was important to me.”

“I love our premises and feedback from customers suggest they love it too.

“We look forward to giving everyone a warm welcome.”

It is open Monday to Saturday, between 9am and 3pm, and on Sunday, between 11am and 4pm.

Pat Glass said: “I am confident that Lisa’s business will prove popular with the local community in Consett.

“Children can play in a safe environment and the youngsters who arrived as we cut the ribbon to mark the café’s opening were clearly very excited at what they saw.

“I believe if people know it is there, they will find the services affordable and useful and I wish the business well for what I hope is a bright future for the café.”