MUMS in Norfolk are doing it for themselves when it comes to setting up playgroups for children.Two pairs of determined mothers are aiming to open a nursery and eco-fun centre in the county after seeing a gap in the market.

MUMS in Norfolk are doing it for themselves when it comes to setting up playgroups for children.

Two pairs of determined mothers are aiming to open a nursery and eco-fun centre in the county

after seeing a gap in the

market.

Helen Murfit and Louise Kerry will soon be unveiling Bishy Barnabees Day Nursery in Mattishall, where Little Owls

used to be.

Mrs Murfit said: “We're friends who have worked together and were talking about how we should set a nursery up. Our ethos is to provide a supportive and educational home from home environment.

“A few weeks later the property came on the market and we knew we had to go for it. A total refurbishment is under way and we're preparing to open in June. It's all happened so fast.

“It's been a lot of hard work and there's been a lot of stress, but when an opportunity comes along like this you have to grab it.”

Meanwhile in Wendling two sisters are hoping to convert a commercial warehouse on Swaffham Road into the Precious Playtime Project - an activity centre entirely eco-friendly with a focus on play, creativity, music and drama as well as a healthy food deli-café, orchard, vegetable plot and wild flower field.

Rachel Hughes, who runs

the business with Sarah Hughes-Wade, said: “Our vision is to protect and encourage the development stage of free play

that has a positive social

impact.

“We want to use renewable energy and be as environmentally friendly as possible. It's something we're very excited about. It's all we live and breathe.”

The sisters received an award in 2006 to fund research into the development, and if planning permission is given it will open about April next year.

For more information on Bishy Barnabees Day Nursery contact 01362 857100, Helen Murfit on 07923 529070 or Louise Kerry on 07523 877062.