MYSTERY surrounds the unexpected closure of a family-run York playgroup.

Your Angels, in Walmgate, a play and activity centre for children aged between three and 11, suddenly closed last month after only five months' trading.

It is believed that the owner, Sahar Omar, has moved to Middlesbrough.

Margaret McIntyre, owner of Thimbelina, a designer-dressmaker opposite Your Angels, said she had "absolutely no idea what has happened."

"The shop seemed to be quite busy and it is very sad that it has closed, whatever the reason," she said.

Anne Dean, manager of the nearby Sue Ryder Shop, said the sudden closure was "very strange".

She said: "Initially, we thought she may have gone away for a holiday or something, but the shop is still closed.

"It is such a shame as it is absolutely beautiful inside with excellent facilities," she said.

A spokesperson for Ebor Light Ltd, which owns the property, said "We do not know what has happened.

"Until somebody contacts us regarding the lease we cannot do much more."

Ms Omar, a former telecommunications engineer from Copmanthorpe, realised a personal dream when she turned the former York Advertiser premises into a creche.

It took two years of work for her to set up the business and she piled thousands of pounds of her own money into the venture as well as a bank loan.

The creche provided opportunities for children to do arts and crafts, including pottery and glass painting. Sand and water play, dressing up, music and story-telling were also on offer.

Updated: 10:48 Wednesday, October 03, 2001