FOUNDERS of a sensory mat company have been "blown away" by the response to their product, which helps with common issues like flat feet as well as child development.

The newly-launched Happy Feet Play Mats, which specialises in sensory play mats for children, has ambitious plans to expand its reach throughout the UK and abroad over the next three years.

The Newcastle based company, founded by couple Anthony Miley and Marketa Klemmova who both have backgrounds in sport, promotes the importance of barefoot stimulation with a range of textured play mat tiles.

Despite being its infancy, the founders have been blown away by the reception of their products which are now shipping across Europe and further afield, including the US, Australia and The Philippines.

Based on its current growth rate after just four months, Happy Feet Play Mats is forecast to turnover £250,000 in the next three years.

Co-founders Anthony Miley and Marketa Klemmova with their two children. Picture: Iain Weir

Co-founders Anthony Miley and Marketa Klemmova with their two children. Picture: Iain Weir

Ms Klemmova said: "We’ve had an amazing start as a business. Our customers are telling us that we’ve changed their son or daughter’s life. Some of the feedback we’ve had has been quite emotional.”

The online store has been developed under the supervision of orthopaedic experts, physiotherapists and sports therapists to emulate different terrains that young children experience when exploring the outside world.

According to the couple, this means the mats can help with common issues such as flat feet, knock knee and bowed legs.

There are a range of different textures and patterns, including mats featuring acorns, pinecones, twigs and grass.