First look inside children's spa in Chester-le-Street

Halo Glow Spa opened its doors in Chester-le-Street and welcomed its first customers on Saturday (August 1).

The spa, on Ashfield Terrace, provides age-appropriate spa and pamper treatments for children of all ages.

Owners and long-time friends Lara Weddle and Vicky Butler say they want to create a safe place for children with complex needs.

Vicky, a civil servant, said: "My daughter, Hannah, had an accident in a playground which led to her having PTSD and anxiety and Lara, a teaching assistant, works with children with enhanced needs.

"We’ve got a lot of experience between us, and we wanted to create something different that focuses on mental health and wellbeing."

The mums say they want to create an inclusive environment: "A lot of SEN (special educational needs) children get left out of parties and don’t get invited, and it’s just so unfair.

"We’ve been passionate about creating something like this for years."

Laura and Vicky's daughters, Lily Weddle and Hannah Butler, have been acting as the 'big sisters' of the salon and featuring in social media videos.

The pair said: "It feels so exciting to have Halo open, and it’s like a dream come true.

"The open day was really fun and it went really well and it was very nice to see loads of kids enjoying themselves on the day.

Vicky noted that the spa is not just for children with additional needs: "If people want to come in and have a wild party, then that’s also possible.

"We want to offer flexibility."

Check out the pictures below:

(Image: POCKETPA)

Lara Weddle and Vicky Butler. (Image: POCKETPA)

(Image: POCKETPA)

(Image: POCKETPA)

(Image: POCKETPA)

(Image: POCKETPA)

(Image: POCKETPA)

(Image: POCKETPA)

(Image: POCKETPA)

Lily Weddle and Hannah Butler. (Image: POCKETPA)

The salon has already received glowing reviews: "We had the most amazing Mother/Son pamper experience today.

"My little boy (6) enjoyed being relaxed and pampered so much that he said “that was fantastic mammy, we need to give them hearts and trophies”.

"I will be booking him back in for a pre birthday pamper in September.

"What a fabulous bonding day."

The salon offers manicures, head massages and makeup.

The salon can be found at 11 Ashfield Terrace, Chester-le-Street, United Kingdom, DH3 3PD.