KEIGHLEY kids have been invited to dive right into Airedale Shopping Centre’s new, free soft play area.

Filbert the squirrel, Airedale’s mascot, is welcoming youngsters to his funhouse, called Aire Time to Play. Children from the ages of one up to five, along with their families, can enjoy a host of fun, action-packed entertainment.

The play area has several sections and includes a soft play racing car, perfect for the budding mechanic to dismantle and rebuild, toy bricks, and a train that can be pulled apart and put back together. There is also a castle and a traditional soft play ball pit.

Steve Seymour, Airedale Shopping Centre manager, said: “This will be an excellent addition to the centre. It’s not only free to use, but it provides families with small children a really enjoyable yet stimulating experience in a safe environment. With the summer holidays in full flow I’m sure it'll be very popular.”

Shoppers who visit Filbert’s Funhouse will be greeted by brightly-coloured murals on the walls inspired by children's stories and some of Filbert's furry friends.

Hazel Merlino, managing director of the Rainbow Factory, the organisation behind Filbert’s Funhouse, said: "We were really excited to be asked to transform an empty unit at the Airedale Centre into this fantastic space that's free for the community to use.

"We hope Filbert's Funhouse will become a firm favourite with thousands of families."

The soft play area is located next to Clintons and is suitable for children from one up to five years old who are under 3.5ft. It is free to use but parental or guardian supervision will be required.

Opening times can be found at airedaleshoppingcentre.co.uk