Two mums behind a care scheme for special needs children in Bradford aim to raise thousands of pounds for a state-of-the-art sensory playroom.

So far funds have topped the £1,000 mark but help is urgently needed to raise the final £3,000 if youngsters at the Greengates-based scheme are to get their new playroom in time for Christmas.

The Special Needs Objective Outreach Project, known as Snoop, was set up at the Holybrook Centre in Redcar Road three years ago by mums Carol Beardmore ( pictured with 12-year-old Holly) and Carol Amery, who both have teenagers with special needs.

It is unusual because fee-paying parents can chose care hours to suit them and their children on a day-to-day basis, rather than be stuck with set hours that are difficult to change.

The mums, who are both from Greengates, used their first-hand experience of bringing up special needs children to win a £64,000 grant from the New Opportunities Fund to set up Snoop. They started out with just four children in their care but now have more than 60 of all ages on their books.

Mrs Beardmore said: "The only other scheme as flexible as us is in Denmark. Life is always hectic when you are a parent of a special needs child and you can't always plan ahead. There's an obvious need for this kind of flexi-care because there are times when parents just need a break for a couple of hours or something crops up that they have to see to."

In the holidays youngsters and teenagers from across the district come to Snoop, which costs £91,000 a year to run. It pays four permanent staff and has a pool of casual workers on call.

Now that fund raising for the multi-sensory play room is underway, Snoop wants to hear from anyone who can help boost the appeal by making a donation or running a fundraising event.

"Sensory equipment with lights, sounds and textures is very expensive but well worth the expense," said Mrs Beardmore.

Anyone who can help should telephone Snoop on (01274) 621066.