A COUPLE has launched a new créche after spotting a gap in the market in Barrow.

John Eccles and fiancé Jamielee Clark started Busy Kids Crèche because of the passion they have for working with children.

The business is based in Hartington Street Methodist Church.

It has space for up to 30 children at a time and caters for all those in the age bracket of one to eight-years-old.

Mr Eccles said: “We have done the market research, and it says that there is a demand for a crèche in this area. I know that there are a lot of nurseries in Barrow, but we are providing a different service. I know there is nothing like this in Barrow.

"Nurseries cost a fortune for parents and we provide an alternative that is cheaper and more flexible.

Mr Eccles, 31, from Lord Street, previously worked in retail before pursuing a career in childcare.

He earned an early years foundation degree has previously worked as a child minder for four years as well as a classroom assistant before starting this business.

“This has been an ambition of mine for a long time now, and after being a child minder for four years I have the experience and expertise to do this," he said.

"I do not really consider this as work, as it is something I enjoy doing.”

Ms Clark, 28, is working towards her level two in teaching and learning at Furness College and hopes to later move onto a early years qualification course.

The couple believe they have spotted a gap in the market of childcare in Barrow and hope to grow the business so they can eventually move to their own premises in the next couple of years.

Anne Burns, Barrow councillor and Cumbria County Council cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I welcome all good childcare in the area.

"We have to support parents who want to go back into work, so there has to be flexible childcare available to them."