A state-of-the-art residential unit for disabled young people has opened.

Bear hunts, habitat trails and face painting were among the attractions at Nell Bank to celebrate the arrival of the first official guests to the £460,000 facility.

The unit, which boasts electronic beds, whirlpool baths and a kitchen with moveable worktops and sinks, is expected to be used by 1,000 disabled children a year.

Nell Bank centre manager Bruce Fowler said: “For the first time youngsters with disabilities will be able to stay as residents while they access outdoor education. Our approach is recognised as having big pay offs for all children, including those with disabilities.

“The centre is very inclusive, it’s able to provide for children with and without disabilities. That’s what inclusion is really about.”

Mahammed Ali, of Barkerend, was at the opening with his two daughters, aged seven and five, who both have physical disabilities.

He said: “This is somewhere we can come to as a family. It offers activities my daughters wouldn’t usually be able to access. Hopefully they will be able to stay in the residential unit at some point.”

The new facility is part of a £5 million pilot scheme in Bradford, funded by Aiming High, a Government programme to support projects for young people with disabilities.

Cheryl Ashton, of Bingley, whose 11-year-old son Benjamin suffers from Down Syndrome, was also at the opening.

She said: “I set up a support group for families with disabled children to combat the isolation and exclusion that is often endured. Aiming High is our big window of opportunity to influence things. This centre is great. I came here because I am thinking of coming with the support group in the summer.”

The unit, which can house up to 20 people or a group of 12 with disabilities and their carers, has been built from sustainable sources.

Kath Tunstall, Bradford Council’s strategic director for services to children and young people, said: “It’s the jewel in the crown of services for children in Bradford and from other authorities. The commitment and the passion shown by the staff is an example to everybody.”