A quarter of a million pounds has been invested in a new business which is set to open in Bradford today.

Child-care company Kinder Haven Ltd has bought the former Hepworth and Grandage social club on Sticker Lane and redeveloped it.

The firm, which is opening with seven members of staff, aims to take this figure to 21 when it has reached its full child occupancy.

The venture is the brainchild of mother of two Danielle Dixon, who is also a professional child-care advisor.

She said: "We are a unique child-care service providing quality child-care for children from birth to 12 years from one location.

"We offer full day care, wraparound, out of school and holiday care clubs to provide parents with choice, flexibility, overall individual care and employers with the added benefit of reduced absenteeism and increased performance levels.

"I have encountered child-care difficulties personally through the lack of places, extended services, availability and standards of care.

"This encouraged me to research my local area and identify and meet the needs of others.

"I believe our service is leading the way in child-care in meeting work patterns of the parent.

"We also have CCTV cameras in all our playrooms and surrounding play areas to provide parents with added security and protection for their children."

Kinder Haven Ltd, which opens today, has already received more than 15 bookings for its first day.

Danielle Dixon added: "In total we have spent approximately £250,000 to create the right child-care environment with stimulating equipment that is modern and new to assist with optimum care for children. We also have hi-tech safety systems for children's safety and protection.

"A lot of creative time and research has been undertaken to create Kinder Haven Ltd, with a view to not only meeting the needs of children but that of their parents too."

She said the cost of the development reflected the commitment to quality and meeting child-care demand.

"Developing my own child-care service has been an ambition of mine for many years.

"I even talked about it when I came second in the Miss T&A competition in 1995 - now it has become a reality."