Nurses open new Enchanted Village children's play centre after transforming former shop
Their first day was packed
Two mums have opened a new children’s role play village, after spending months transforming a former charity shop.
Part-time paediatric nurses Ella Gusterson and Charlotte Dean, who work at Pinderfields Hospital, have opened the Enchanted Village in Pontefract.
The role play village had a busy first day yesterday (Monday October 5) with more than 30 children booked in for the morning play session and 25 in the afternoon.
Charlotte said parents have welcomed the new centre, adding: "They have all said the kids have had a good time. One mum said their child was crying because he didn't want to go home."
Ella said: "It has been a very busy time. We are still getting to grips with running a business and we want to thank people for being patient with us."
Ella and Charlotte met at Pinderfields two years ago when both their children were toddlers and they soon started going to soft play areas with their families.
Charlotte said there were no dedicated children's role play centres in Pontefract so they decided to look at options of starting their own business.
When the former Prince of Wales Hospice shop unit on Cornmarket became available they decided it was the ideal location.
They say they will continue to work part-time as nurses.
Charlotte said: "We knew our girls absolutely love role play and we have seen how beneficial it is to little minds, so what more rewarding than being able to bring this to Pontefract."
Role play houses at the Enchanted Village include a shop, hospital, fire station, construction corner, nursery, princess castle. There is also a farm and garden.
There is a café for parents and carers and a play area for babies. They are planning to hold regular sessions for children with additional needs.