Work is due to begin on a children's play centre in Carlisle where youngsters can be little police officers, nurses or doctors and firemen.

Carlisle City Council planners have now given the go-ahead for the former Botanica nightclub in Englishgate Plaza, off Botchergate, to be converted into a Tiny Town role-play centre.

Ben and Natalie Yates, who already run a Tiny Town centre in Newcastle, are hoping to open the doors to the new interactive play centre around the middle of November.

"We are very excited about what we can bring to Carlisle. I don't think there is anything in the city like what we can offer," said Mr Yates, who is the co-founder and director.

The scheme will create 10 jobs and will be set out as its own miniature town or city, with all areas scaled down for toddlers up to about seven years.

Youngsters can shop in a supermarket, prepare lunch in the restaurant, style hair in the salon, become a postal or construction worker, dress up as a policeman, fireman or doctor and become stars of the stage and screen.

"It's an adventure for growing minds," said Mr Yates.

"It is not a soft play centre, but is something with a little bit lower energy. Young children go crazy for it."

The old dance floor will become the play area and the DJ stand will be turned into a miniature Carlisle Castle.

Images of Carlisle as a walled city will decorate the centre.

There will be a secure buggy park and toilets with baby changing facilities.

There will also be a coffee shop for customers only.

"The former nightclub is an ideal site for us. There is plenty of room to expand what we already offer in Newcastle," added Mr Yates.

"We will be taking on about 10 staff. Three or four of those jobs will be full-time and three or four part-time, as well as a couple of apprentices," he said.

The centre will also cater for children's birthday parties.

"Tiny Town has been designed with early years practitioners to encourage interaction which develops excellent language and communication skills," added Mr Yates.

"The site is within walking distance of the train station, and we have ample parking, and are near bus stops," said Mr Yates.

"Hopefully will be ready by the middle of November," he said..