A TEACHING assistant has realised her dream after converting a double-decker bus into two floors of adventure and fun for children.

PowerPlay Party Bus, which is now operating across South Lakeland, brings parties and children's entertainment to homes and events including weddings and christenings.

The idea is the brainchild of Cindy Power, who lives in Kirkby Lonsdale and works at Vicarage Park School in Kendal.

"I have always wanted to set up my own business in this area but needed to find the right idea," said the 45-year-old. "There is no play centre or fun factory in Kirkby Lonsdale. Originally I wanted something on the A65 so looked for premises on there but it was too costly.

"The idea is that the party comes to you and it can take the stress away. My tagline is: 'No mess, no stress'."

While researching online, Cindy came across a business called The Playbus Company who converted the bus and kitted it out with a range of equipment.

The bus, which can be booked on a 'Pay to Play' basis, is packed to the brim with entertainments such as soft play areas, interactive sound mat, ball pool, karaoke, sound system, disco area, scramble nets, wobbly mirrors and a table and seating area.

Mother-of-two Cindy, who works as a senior teaching assistant at the school and has received training to be able to drive the bus for the parties, added: “PowerPlay Party Bus offers children and families a range of activities to enhance their skills, abilities, experience, confidence and self-esteem as well as having enormous fun in a clean, safe and secure environment.

"I have also approached hotels so when the speeches are on and you want some quiet, we can take the children away and entertain them on the bus."

Cindy received help from The Creative Team, an apprenticeship business run from Kendal College.

"I needed a business website and social media advice," said Cindy. "They agreed to take on this project and went above and beyond. They created my characters and designed the bus graphics as well as creating the website and social media pages."

Visit www.powerplaypartybus.co.uk for more information.