DARWEN children are in toy heaven thanks to a new mobile toy library which took to the streets this week.

It gives youngsters a chance to swap their toys every two weeks.

The Sure Start library, called Moby, was officially launched at Knott Street Community Centre on Tuesday.

The specially-designed and fitted mini bus will be managed and run by staff from the Early Years and Childcare team as part of the Education and Lifelong Learning Department of Blackburn with Darwen council.

Moby will deliver the toys to the community centres and most parent and toddler groups within Suddell and central Darwen in a bid to reach as many children under four years as possible.

Correne Brown, a senior toy librarian, said: "Moby is always in demand and has proved to be a very popular service with a large selection of toys and equipment. We are extending the route to Mill Hill and Livesey."

One parent said: "The toy library is a superb service and is a good way of finding out what your child is going to play with without any initial outlay."

Local councillor Eileen Entwistle said many families had already benefited from the "much needed toy loan facility".

Sure Start is a local government initiative for families with children under four and offers a wide range of facilities.

Contact 07748 766182 for more information.