TWO special guests have arrived at Hamworthy Library to help launch a new cabinet display of Poole's best loved toys.

Buzz Lightyear and Paddington Bear launched My Toy Story, and with the help of artist Lucy Jackson, children and families sculpted the life size figures during the half term Family Arts Festival as part of Poole libraries programme of free events.

The Victoria and Albert Museum of Childhood in London uses cabinets to house toys through the ages and Hamworthy Library now has its own cabinet ready to fill.

Residents are invited to take a favourite toy along, if they can bear to be parted from it for a week or two, and if it comes with an interesting story to share, even better.

The display currently houses a much-loved toy monkey who was left lying on a mountain in the Austrian Tyrol, was found by a passerby and reunited with its delighted four-year-old owner.

"When I heard about this initiative it hit a really warm note with me," said Cllr Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder for local economy, culture and leisure.

"Most of us will have fond memories of a toy or two that we were particularly attached to as children and many have a personal story associated with them.

"The My Toy Story display will provide a lovely opportunity for local residents to share their favourite childhood toys with others, whilst telling a fascinating story of toys through the years.

"This may be geared to capturing the interests of children but I am sure it will attract people from all ages who will enjoy seeing the types of toys they may have long forgotten."

Beloved toys and their owners are invited to go along to Hamworthy Library with their stories from now until the run up to Christmas. All toys will be returned.