A mother from Ruislip set up a mobile toddlers play group through a franchise when her 18-month-old son had little entertainment in the nearby area.

Charlotte Long, 29, wanted to start the business with her partner for two years but it was the birth of her son that was the real incentive.

Through the company Runaround Rascals, Mrs Long has now set up a group which offers youngsters the chance to play with soft toys.

It was launched at Ruislip Manor Methodist Church on Thursday (April 9).

She told getwestlondon : “We're definitely filling a gap in the market as there's a few bouncy castle companies but nothing like this. There was not a lot to entertain children aged 0-5 in the local area.”

She said: “We’ve had really positive feedback from the launch and good numbers.

"People were commenting on how good the equipment was and how robust it is.”

Runaround Rascals covers parties and bookings in Hertfordshire and other areas of west London including Northolt, Eastcote, Ruislip, Ickenham, Hillingdon, Uxbridge and Harefield.

Mrs Long is committed to expanding the business and getting the weekly sessions off the ground.

She added: “We’re looking for an outside venue for the summer. We are doing a summer fete over at Harefield school as well.

"It is a fundraiser day, so we're volunteering our services for that. There's quite a lot going on!”

Weekly 'stay and play' sessions will take place at St Lawrence Church, Bridal Road, Eastcote, starting on Tuesday (April 14) at 9.30am – 11.30am at £4 per child and £2 per sibling for a two hour session.

To book a child's party or for more information, visit the Runaround Rascals website or contact Charlotte on 07479610484 or charlotte@runaroundrascals.co.uk.