A NEW community project hopes to provide greater access to key educational toys to children in and around Bude.

The Bude Area Toy Library is offering a new way for children to access educational and developmental toys without the need for parents to break the bank.

Based in the Neetside Community Centre, the project allows parents to borrow a selection of toys for up to two weeks at a time, while only paying an annual membership of £30.

A spokesperson from the scheme explained: “The library enables members to borrow a changing selection of toys which encourage self-development, provide new challenges, and opportunities for safe exploration. Borrowing also lets members see how a child will react to and potentially benefit from a certain type of toy before having to actually buy it elsewhere .

“We also have large toys suitable for children's parties and for outdoor play- slides, seesaws, ride on bikes, small rollercoasters. We are run entirely by volunteers and welcome new volunteers to join our team. In the summer, we can often be found on the castle lawn in Bude at various events - Heritage Day, Carnival - where we provide a safe and stimulating play area where parents can watch over their children as they play.”

The group believe the introduction of the scheme within the town will provide a vital service to those who may not otherwise be able to afford such toys for their children.

The spokesperson continued: “We feel we provide a vital service for parents and carers, many of whom could probably simply not afford to provide new toys for each stage of their child's development.”

To find out more about the toy library visit their Facebook page, website or email the team via: [email protected]