A Kendal duo is aiming to raise £30,000 to expand the sensory stimulation services it can offer to local people.

Paul and Lucy Williams set up Aura, at Stramongate, two years ago as a not-for-profit, community interest company.

It offers sensory stimulation for children and adults of all ages, including people with physical, mental and learning desirabilities.

Current facilities include an interactive ball pit, complete with lights, sounds and vibration and a 120-inch projector, which can show images while music plays in the background.

"We can tailor this for specific needs, such as a school which might be doing a project on, say, oceans, can bring its pupils and we can project images of fish and water on to the screen," said Paul.

The duo has found there is also a demand from parents to hold baby and toddler groups at the premises and there are now three to four such sessions per day, where the youngsters can play and be stimulated.

An immersive 'den' allows those who do not like crowds - particularly those with disabilities - to shut the curtains and have the space to themselves. Also available are a sensory swing and a 'chill-out lounge', complete with a lounger, bed and armchair that light up and vibrate.

"People with every aspect of disability can benefit from what we offer," said Paul. "Some people with autism come in very tense but leave feeling much more relaxed."

The next stage is to develop an adjacent area into a 'sensory gym'.

"The existing section caters for sight, sound, relaxation and touch while the new section will tap more into movement and activity," explained Lucy.

"There will be a netted ball area and we already have a full wall coated with Lego that people can build out from. We also want to create a community rehabilitation area with a tracking hoist so individuals in wheelchairs can stand and walk aided, plus an ultra violet messy play area. We also hope to create an immersive classroom which allows us to project images on to three walls and the floor."

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron is supporting the plans and is due to visit the premises this week.

The duo need to raise another £30,000 to fully expand Aura. If anyone wants to donate they should go to the Aura Cumbria Just Giving page.