Madonna's Magical Mini Wonderland and Gimme A Break are designed to give overworked parents a brief rest from looking after their children.

Madonna's is owned by Mrs. Marsha Smith, 30, and is based at Crown House, in Brunswick Street.

Mrs. Smith is giving up her job as medical secretary at the Diabetes Centre at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital to run the business, which is named after her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Madonna.

"I was looking for a business for myself that was not going to be too expensive and was something I liked,'' she said. "I've always loved children so I decided to start a child care service.'' Gimme A Break is an offshoot of The Olympic Club, which is owned by Mr. Scott Stallard and Mr. Nicholas Jones.

It is based at Woodmont Nursery, on the corner of Cedar Avenue and Dundonald Street.

Mr. Stallard said: "This is in response to a lot of our members saying they had nowhere to leave their children while they worked out at the gym.

"I recently got married and have a child and I know how important it is for parents to get a break now and again.

"My wife, Sharon, came up with the idea and the gym decided to go ahead with it.'' Madonna's Magical Mini Wonderland officially opens on December 5 and will operate from 9 a.m.-6 p.m Monday-Friday and from 7 a.m.-noon on Saturday. A Sunday service is available by appointment only.

As well as facilities for potty training, there will be toys, puzzles, a television and videos to entertain children. The service will cater for children between one-and-a-half-years old and six.

Gimme A Break also has toys, games and videos available to entertain children.

The service does not have facilities for potty training and caters for children between two and 10.

It is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5.30-7 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 6-11.30 p.m.

Mrs. Marsha Smith.