TWO MACCLESFIELD mums who won support from the town after campaigning on TV for a grant will see months of hard graft pay-off when their new play centre finally opens next week.

After a year long struggle with planning delays, the dream of JJ's Sensory Play Centre is almost a reality for Joanne Griffiths and Jane Mitchell, who both have children with Down's Syndrome,

Joanne, 33, a mother-of-four, of Thirlmere, said: "It's hard to believe it's actually finally happening but it is so exciting, just amazing."

The centre, on Snape Road, Hurdsfield Industrial Estate, is designed with special needs children in mind, but also caters for their families.

The innovative duo were awarded £50,000 for the project by the Big Lottery Fund after television viewers across the North West voted for them.

"But that was last May," added Joanne, "And it has just been a real rollercoaster ride where at some points we didn't know if it was going to happen."

But more than a year later, the centre has finally taken shape - with help from both families.

Joanne's army - her husband Steve, 32, Leah, 13, Louis, ten, and Harvey, three, who has Down's Syndrome, have all helped. And baby Callum, 18 months, has looked on proudly.

Jane, 37, of Ullswater, who lives with builder husband Charlie, 40, and kids Jack, nine, Tom, five, and Annie, seven, added: "Everyone's really chipped in and been so excited. Charlie's been great with his building skills."

The centre, which will open to the public on Tuesday, August 8, will be a child's heaven - with special equipment and environments to suit every need.

The mums have really researched the project, for kids from zero to 14, and there is a "Snoezlen" - a soft play area with calming and sensory equipment, including bubble towers, an interactive room, a dark cabin with fluorescent and UV lights and a chill-out room for siblings who don't want to play in the main area.

JJ's Sensory Play Centre will open officially on Tuesday, August 8, with VIP days on Sunday, August 6 and Monday, August 7.

Entrance is £3 per child per hour and you need to book ahead on 01625 667 872 or go to jjsplay@hotmail.co.uk. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 6pm.