A Carlisle teacher and mum-of-two has opened a new family play space after her pop-up sessions began selling out within weeks.
Bloom and Wonder has opened its permanent home in Unit 15 at The Ironworks, Lorne Street, Denton Holme.
Founder Danielle Docherty, who grew up nearby on Colville Street, said she had always wanted the venture to be based in Denton Holme.
As the first families arrived for the opening session, Danielle said: "It has been an absolutely mad few days trying to get ready for today.
"We started doing pop-up sessions in May and we were selling out every weekend."
Danielle is a qualified teacher and has spent the last year working as a baby room lead in a nursery.
But she said the role made her realise she wanted to create something of her own, with more focus on children, families and play.
Bloom and Wonder is not a nursery, but will offer play sessions, family events, cinema nights, seasonal activities and smaller SEND-friendly sessions.
Its first session in the new space was for babies from birth to pre-walking, while weekday sessions will also run for children aged up to five, with weekend sessions also planned for older children.
She added: "It was always the plan to open a centre, it just wasn't meant to happen this quickly!"
Danielle's sister, Stevie Lightfoot, who runs S Lightfoot Photography, is also part of the wider Wonder Works Community Hub collective at The Ironworks.
Danielle said Stevie had helped every weekend to get the space ready, although Bloom and Wonder and the photography business are separate.
Danielle said the transformation had taken a huge effort.
She said: "If I show you the before and after, it's bonkers."
Danielle also thanked the family and friends who had helped get Bloom and Wonder ready for opening day, as well as McKnights, the landlords at The Ironworks.
She said: "There's been a few tears shed in the build-up to this.
"It's taken all of us, and I can’t thank everyone who's helped us get this far enough.
"McKnights, and specifically Ben and the team, have been so, so helpful."
More information is available through Bloom and Wonder's Facebook. S Lightfoot Photography can also be found on social media.
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