FOOTBALLERS' wives are supposed to spend their days in the shops, health spas or plastic surgery clinics.

But Wales star Nathan Blake's wife Leann has broken the mould by teaming up with Juliette Kingdon and opening a nursery in Newport's Church Road.

"Mini Me" takes up the ground floor of Fairoak House and is the result of a £100,000 investment.

Builders are currently putting the finishing touches to the facility. The two mums both have children in nurseries and realised that Newport needs more of them.

Ms Kingdon, a former telecom sales manager who lives in Risca Road, said: "We spoke to several nurseries in the city and they are all full, usually with waiting lists.

"Working parents are crying out for places, especially as they now have a tax credit to offset the cost."

The women have received financial and moral support from their partners, Nathan, who has played for a number of top clubs and Wales, and property developer Richard Williams.

An opening party is plan-ned for March with a guest list that will include top sprinters Darren Campbell and Christian Malcolm, Mr Williams' cousin.

Mini Me Nursery will take up to 40 children from a few weeks old to five years. It will be open between 8am and 6pm and will employ up to 10 qualified staff when it reaches capacity. Meals and a sleep room will be provided.

Ms Blake said setting up a high quality nursery was a major undertaking. She and her partner carried out research, drew up a business plan, prepared designs and costings and then wrote policies for extensive safety and legal requirements.

She said: "We're working closely with the Care Stand-ards Inspectorate for Wales and aim to exceed the requirements which have forced some nurseries to close.

"The hall will be divided to accommodate different age groups and will contain educational and fun playthings.

"Our aim is to run it like a village nursery, not a comprehensive."

Ms Kingdon said: "If it is successful, we may start a family of Mini Me nurseries."