A CLIMBING centre has launched a weekly "quiet hour" for people with special needs.

Clip ‘n Climb Ilkley welcomed customers including the LS29 group at their first ever Quiet Hour in February.

Running on a Sunday, from 9.30am to 10.30am, the sessions are aimed at people with special educational needs and disabilities. During quiet hours there will be fewer climbers in the arena, and no loud music. Siblings can also take part. The sessions will not be available to book online - they must be booked by phone so that staff are able to find out everything they need to about the children taking part. Staff are trained to give extra support with climbing and are there to provide the children with encouragement where needed.

Organisers say the sessions have been designed to provide a comfortable, safe and fun place for all of the children and their families to enjoy. Parents and carers can stay in the arena with their children or they can relax and watch upstairs with a coffee.

Charlotte Allum, one of the supervisors, said: "This idea is a result of us noticing how many children and adults with special needs use our climbing walls and how much they love it. Best thing of all about the new Quiet Hour was seeing the children and parents having a great time. They were able to take their time and enjoy the experience in a relaxed environment with big smiles on their faces. We hope that these sessions will benefit all those who wish to use them."

Karen Goodman, Coordinator of the LS29 Group said: "The staff at Clip ‘n Climb have given a lot of thought to making the sessions accessible and calm. The children who came along have a variety of special needs which they accommodated. The parents and carers who came loved seeing how much the children achieved and watching their confidence grow. We can't wait for the next one."