A scaled-down world created especially for children is proving a hit with customers large and small.

Eastern Daily Press: A new childrens interactive play village called 'Dinky Town' has opened inside the old Wine Lodge in Oulton Broad. Mason Mcgee in the mini cafe. PHOTO: Nick ButcherA new childrens interactive play village called 'Dinky Town' has opened inside the old Wine Lodge in Oulton Broad. Mason Mcgee in the mini cafe. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2017)

Based in the former Wine Lodge building in Bridge Road, Dinky Town features a range of miniature settings for little people to explore through role play.

Since it opened in December, the play centre has received rave reviews from parents, whose children love the dinky supermarket, vets, doctors, café, theatre, fire station and construction area.

There is also a café serving refreshments and dedicated small baby and breastfeeding areas.

Dinky Town founder Alison Edwards said: 'We have got regular customers who come back time and time again.

'We have had great reviews on Facebook, such as great staff and great customer service. People are also impressed with the cleanliness.'

Dinky Town operates four 90-minute dedicated sessions throughout each day, with a limited capacity to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience for everybody.

It also caters for children's parties and for groups.

Mrs Edwards said: 'I came across the concept while visiting friends in London. I thought it was a fantastic idea.

'I wanted to bring something new and innovative to Lowestoft and I have been working on the programme for two and a half years and looking for a venue for about a year.'

She said the miniature settings gave youngsters opportunities for imaginative play, social interaction, speech development and one to one play with their parents.

She added that her new venture had been busy and the future looked bright.

'We had a really good run up to half-term,' she said. 'All the peak sessions for half-term were pretty much full. During school times it's a little bit quieter.

'The future is positive. We have had a fantastic run and a fantastic reaction from parents.'

Mrs Edwards' two sons, aged three and six, are also thrilled at their mum's new business, particularly as they get to test out all the new play equipment.

Mrs Edwards added: 'They think it's great. They come down and enjoy it and they have helped me to develop it along the way.'

Visit www.dinkytown.co.uk for more details.