A BRAND new soft play area has opened at Hyndburn leisure centre.

The highly anticipated ‘Adventure City’ has seen the Church- based centre convert half of its sports hall to accommodate the four storey play centre as a celebration of it's 40 years at the centre of the community.

The new play area boasts separate areas for babies, toddlers and children up to 11-years-old.

The grand opening saw families travelling from across the borough, with more than 80 children arriving with their family within the first three hours.

Joanne Mortimer, head of services at the leisure centre, said: “We are really pleased with how it has gone, every piece of equipment was being used and it was so great to see the children and the parents having a good time.”

A brand new cafe serving a range of food has also been installed proving a hit with parents, who were able to relax while their children enjoy the play area.

One visitor said “We have been crying out for something like this, now we do not have to travel out of the area just to go to a play area.”

The centre also had a ‘soft opening’ on May 31, where competition winners were invited to test out the equipment before the official opening.

Mrs Mortimer said, “The soft opening was a great success, we had lots of helpful comments from parents about what they thought worked and did not work."

Visitors were so impressed with the play area they took to social media to share their experiences, praising the centre for its safety.

Nicola Halliwell from Accrington said: “My boys absolutely loved it and are already asking when they can come back.”

Angela Clarke from Rishton said: “The staff walking round were professional yet friendly, ensuring older children weren’t playing in the toddler areas. It was obvious that children’s safety was paramount at all times.”

Adventure City is available for birthday parties and is open seven days a week from 9am.