A CHILDREN’S centre where toddlers and pre-schoolers can explore and role play has opened its doors in the Chantry Centre.

Totcity is the brainchild of early years practitioner Louise Benning who saw a gap in the town’s market after visiting a similar centre in Wiltshire and resolved to set up the play centre with business partner and fellow early years practitioner Ronelle Wiid.

The purpose-built facility allows children to discover a scaled-down street with at least six play areas equipped with child-sized resources and dressing up outfits.

They can make an ice-cream sundae in the café, repair a broken wing mirror in the garage or do a weekly shop in the supermarket.

There is also a café for the grownups providing light refreshments along with a sensory area for babies, feeding and changing facilities.

Mother-of-three Louise said: “My kids love role play and dressing up and not being able to find anything locally to meet this need I decided to set up Totcity.

"Role play helps children understand life in the world around them, and at Totcity they can try out situations and experiences in a safe and friendly environment.”

The centre is open seven days a week.

Totcity is also available to hire for children’s parties and a drop-off facility will be available soon.

Visit totcity.co.uk or call 01264 748250.