The North's first hotel exclusively for children is to open in September in Rastrick - and is among one of only three such places in the country.

Parents will be treated strictly as visitors at the 16-bedroom Camp Close Lea, based in a former council-run children's home opposite Rastrick High School.

It is designed on the theme of the Caribbean, the sea and an American summer camp. Children were consulted about the menu and decor to ensure it received their approval.

The hotel, in Field Top Road, is an extension of nearby Rastrick Preparatory and Nursery, which caters for children up to the age of 13.

The latest venture is aimed at busy working parents belonging to the school but it may be extended to the wider community. The building will also be used for boarding and as a day school for up to 72 children.

Headteacher Susan Vaughey said: "Many of our parents do not have extended family they can leave their children with overnight if they have to go to an evening meeting, for example.

"Parents may also just want to get away for a short break or a holiday. Our aim is to make the children feel they are at home and at the same time feel their stay is an adventure.

The young guests be allowed to stay for as long as they want whether it's just until late evening, overnight, or for a weekend. Prices start at £35 per night.

Each of the rooms have brightly-coloured matching decor on a particular theme such as teddy bears and trains, and are named after a Caribbean island such as Martinique.

Staff will be on hand 24-hours a day and there's a TV room, lounge, games room, a dining room which doubles as venue for disco or parties, a library, a kitchen, a laundry room, an outdoor adventure playground, closed circuit TV cameras and floodlighting for security.

Mrs Vaughey said the youngsters would be allowed to get up at whatever time they wanted and help themselves to breakfast.

But they would be encouraged to take part in organised activities, including sports.

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