A plan to build a £1.1m indoor children's play centre - the biggest in the country - have been unveiled.

Entrepreneurs Scott and Victoria Hilary are seeking planning permission to build the leisure facility at the former Thornaby Airfield site on Teesside.

They hope the development, near the Ape Skate Park, will transform the area into a massive family fun complex - complete with climbing wall and football courts.

The expansion of their Mister Twister chain of indoor parks for children will create at least 50 jobs. Staff would be employed to supervise youngsters, man the reception and work in the caf.

Children under 12 will be able to enjoy state-of-the-art play facilities at the 20,000 square foot site, which will include rope bridges, ball pools, inflatable slides and soft play equipment.

"It is going to have a massive impact on the area and this is one of the main drivers of the development at the airfield," said Scott Hillary, 31, of Consett.

"It will be safe and secure, the children will have the best play equipment possible and their parents will have peace of mind."

The first Mister Twister was opened in Consett two years ago and has had 190,000 visitors while the one in Gateshead, which opened in August last year has attracted 220,000 people.

The company plan to open a 10,000 sq ft site in Hartlepool in July followed by the huge development at Thornaby in autumn - if the plan is approved by Stockton Council.

The flying-themed facility at Thornaby would provide creche facilities to the local community as well as offering a family days out year round.

"It is really going to put Thornaby on the map," added Mr Hillary.

"This isn't just for people who live nearby - it also brings people into the area, which can only be a good thing for the local economy."

Stockton Council are expected to consider the proposal in late May or early June.