A MAGICAL sensory room developed for children and young people with special needs has been unveiled to help families across Ryedale.

Ryedale Special Families have spent £4,500 so far on providing a fun and safe environment to play in, in the room at its base in Town Street, Old Malton.

There are carefully-designed soft play areas, as well as touch and smell areas aimed at stimulating and encouraging the children using the facility.

The charity's chief officer, David Brewster, said: "Multi-sensory environments of this type have been shown to have important therapeutic and educational benefits, as well as helping children with disabilities to relax in a friendly setting.

"We are really grateful to Malton and Norton Flower Club who gave us almost £700, BBC Children In Need, and York Diocese Social Care Fund for making this resource a reality for Ryedale children.

"We are looking forward to hearing from parents who would like to use this room."

Helen Schroeder, chairman of Ryedale District Council, named Ryedale Special Families as one of her chosen charities this year.

She said: "This is a wonderful facility for the special children at Ryedale Special Families and it's a credit to the drive and enthusiasm of the parents and professionals who have worked so hard and achieved so much here. It is a privilege to be asked to open the new sensory room."

The charity is a parent-led group supporting families of children with disabilities and special needs.

They provide a wide range of services including respite care, a weekly youth group, family social events and short breaks.

Mr Brewster said he was sure the new sensory room would provide an important resource in the Ryedale area.

Updated: 09:14 Wednesday, February 26, 2003