Mini Monsters Soft Play in Oakham has reopened today (Tues) after being closed for more than five months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A catalogue of health and safety measures have been put in place to protect customers and staff.

Carol Baxter, soft play assistant, told Oakham Nub News: "We are really happy to be back after such a long, long wait to reopen.

"We are looking forward to welcoming parents and children back to our Covid-safe play area.

"It's been a slow, but steady, start, but that's to be expected as this is a learning curve for everyone.

"We have received lots of bookings going forward."

Mini Monsters' maximum capacity is now 40 percent compared to pre-lockdown, ensuring lots of space to play safely.

Toys and ballpits have been removed for the foreseeable future.

Directional arrows around the soft play area enable social distancing while navigating the climbing structure.

Hand sanitisers are located at designated areas for adults and children to use, including on arrival and exit and entering and leaving the play equipment.

Customers will be allocated a table and must only meet and sit with one other household.

Anyone over the age of 11, without an exemption, must wear a face mask unless eating or drinking, which must be consumed when seated at their table.

Toilets will be operating on a one-in-one-out basis.

Contact details are also being taken on arrival for Track and Trace requirements.

To enable regular cleaning, play sessions have been introduced - 9.30am to 11.30am, 12noon to 2pm and 2.30pm to 4.30pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am until 12noon and 12.30 to 2.30pm on a Sunday.

Bookings can be made, during opening hours, by calling 01572 756811.