A FORMER gardener's shed got a new lease of life 10 years ago when it was transformed into a multi-sensory therapy centre, the Worcester Snoezelen.

Since then, this unique leisure centre for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities has grown in size and popularity, attracting people from miles around.

Now its future on the Turnpike Close site is secure for at least another 10 years and a further £70,000 extension is planned.

The Snoezelen (it comes from two Dutch words meaning sniff and doze) began in 1993 as the vision of Penny Bews, established with grants from Worcestershire County Council and Scope, together with public donations.

Manor Park School gave up a store shed in the garden so it could be turned into a magical place to soothe and stimulate the senses.

Hydrotherapy pool

A hydrotherapy pool was installed, together with a white room containing a water mattress, bubble tubes, aromas and special lighting and audio effects.

There was also a dark room with ultra violet lights and shimmering optic fibres, a soft play area, ball pool and tactile corridor.

"As soon as we could, we just opened the doors and got the project going, not realising what an incredible success it would be," said Penny.

"That first week, in September 1993, I had 45 people here and they were all from within 10 miles of Worcester.

"Now we have over 350 people a week from up to 40 miles away and most of them come regularly."

At first Penny managed the Snoezelen alone, but she was soon joined by Becci Read and now has two other full time staff, Jane Campbell and Leanne Hassell.

Within three years it was necessary to add a reception room, office and extra toilets, with the addition of a massage room two years later, when Becci qualified as an aromatherapist.

There is also a video area, where people can play electronic games and watch films on a big screen.

The most recent addition is a portable building, to be replaced with a permanent music room as soon as the latest extension plans have been approved.

"We had to put the plans on hold earlier this year when it looked as though we might have to move, but so many people wanted music that we got the temporary building," said Penny.

Jane is a qualified musician and has trained in the use of technology to enable disabled people to make and enjoy music.

Equipment includes a sound sensitive beam, which emits sounds in response to movement.

The notes of a virtual keyboard are laid out in the invisible beam, which senses even the slightest movements and translates them into a vast variety of sounds, so that someone with very limited mobility can still make music.

"The Snoezelen is a combination of the pub, cinema, theatre and leisure centre, all rolled into one," said Penny.

"People with profound disabilities find something to enjoy here. Some have their favourite little spot and others come in a big group and enjoy the whole range of activities."

The project, with annual running costs of £90,000, is still financed by grants and donations, so the security of a 10-year lease has come as a godsend.

"Looking for grants is an ongoing problem and they are often awarded over three years, so we have to be able to show that we have a future," said Penny.

"We are very grateful to all our local supporters, particularly the Royal Grammar School, who have been absolutely fantastic for the whole 10 years, with numerous fundraising projects, including the annual fun run.

"We have also had enormous help and support from the London Road architects, Lett and Sweetland. Rob Lett has given his time generously, putting in hours of work on our behalf."