Banishing bad weather boredom is the aim of a couple hoping to create a children's paradise in Malvern.

Paula and Adrian Duncan, of York Close, hope to transform an Enigma Park industrial unit into an indoor play centre for children aged up to 12 years.

A three-level climbing frame, ball-pool, slides, baby bouncers and catering facilities are included in proposals, submitted to Malvern Hills District Council last week.

"We've got two young children and are fed up of driving to Worcester and getting stuck in traffic to get to play places," said Mr Duncan.

"There are plenty of parks and outdoor places in Malvern but when the weather's bad, there's nothing."

He said the centre has been designed entirely from a parent's point of view.

"It's not designed on a business basis," said Mr Duncan. "We want parents to be able to leave their kids to play, knowing they're safe, and read a book or have a coffee."

If approved, the centre will open all week, from 9.30am, and can cater for birthday parties and mother and toddler groups.

"We've never done anything like this before," said Mr Duncan. "We've put a great deal of thought into it.

"We just want to create the best back garden that a child could dream of and could share with their friends."

He said work would start on the centre as soon as planning permission was granted and that it could open by September.

Claire Saville, who runs a mother and toddler group for twins and multiples, said: "It's an absolutely brilliant idea.

"We need something for children to do in Malvern, especially when it's raining."

Comments on the proposal can be made on www.having-a-ball. co.uk.