MISTER Twister, the North-East's largest indoor sports centre, complete with giant gerbils, 17,000 balls, a massive slide and soft sports arena, opened for business this week.

Fifty children from County Durham had the enviable job of testing the play equipment in the 10,000sq ft building.

Meanwhile, their mothers and fathers were pleased to have a couple of stressless hours in the £150,000 centre at Consett Number One Industrial Estate.

Mother Lisa Clough, of Castleside, Consett, said: "They have a fair amount of play time and there are cool rooms and an unlimited amount of juice if they get hot."

Anne-Marie Durkin, of Washington, said: "What I like is that there is so much space, it's very airy and feels very safe."

Eight-year-old Stuart Thompson had been playing almost non-stop for two-and-a-half hours when he said: "It's fantastic. I like everything, but the big slide is best."

Aaron Herritt, eight, agreed with him. Mister Twister, tested by children from The Grove Junior School, in Consett, and Shotley Bridge Junior School, has been developed using toys made by Play Concepts in Tanfield Lea, near Stanley.

Scott and Victoria Hillary, who returned to their roots in Shotley Bridge, near Consett, to set up the business, have taken their two-and-a-half year old daughter, Emilia, to more than 40 play centres around the country in the name of research.

Mister Twister costs £2.50 for one to four-year-olds and £2.95 for five to 12-year-olds, for 90 minutes.

Parents and babies under one get in free. Parents or guardians must supervise their children.

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