Soft play centre Lollipops Play Cafe has been honoured in the UK's first national Soft Play awards. The Westbourne business was named runner-up in the competition to find the top soft play centre for children in the South West.

The competition, run by parenting site Netmums, saw more than 1.6 million mums and dads eligible to vote for their favourite soft play centre. The awards were set up to celebrate the best in the burgeoning industry, which has soared in popularity over the past five years.

Carole Evernden-Berguerand, of the play café, said: “We'd like to thank all the local parents who voted for us. Being voted a runner- up in such a big national award is so exciting. We are delighted all our hard work has paid off.”

The prize includes a one-month gold listing from Netmums and a “Netmums favourite” badge for the business’s website.