CHILDREN at a new shopping centre play area will be electronically tagged to ensure their safety.

And as part of the unique security measures at the drop and shop' centre in Burnley, photos will be taken of parents so that staff know they are letting children leave with the right people.

It is hoped that the centre, Charlie P's, will help boost mid-week trade in the town by allowing parents to shop secure in the knowledge their children are safe.

Stuart Proctor, 39, and wife Nicola, 38, owners of the Yorkshire Street-based centre, have been setting up the project for the past three years.

The couple, who have spent thousands renovating the former furniture shop, named the business after their two-year-old son Charlie Proctor. The hi-tech venue, which employs nine staff, caters for children aged between two and 11.

Open seven days a week, it can also be booked for children's parties, or parents can simply stop for a coffee and something to eat while the children play.

Stuart, who lives in Burnley, said: "There's nothing else like this in Burnley. We take security seriously and each child is tagged.

"Pictures are taken of parents so that when they come back we can be sure that it is the parent who is picking up their child.

"We had an open day earlier in the week with around 70 children and all the feedback we had was positive and traders are supportive."

Burnley's town centre manager Lisa Durkin today welcomed the centre's opening as a positive step forward for the town centre.

She said: "It will be great addition to Burnley town centre.

"I have to go to Accrington with my three-year-old once a week but now I can take her here. I wish them every success."

Burnley Inspector Damian Darcy said: "This is a very good idea. It's reassuring for the parents to know that their children are safe and will prevent them from being able to leave the building."