A TASTY toy distributed by a firm in East Lancashire has topped online sales charts in the run-up to Christmas.

Magic Choc’s Chocolate Picture Maker launched exclusively with toy giant Hamley’s in the summer but after going on general release it made its way to the top spot of online retailer Amazon’s best-sellers chart.

The chocolate toy brand is manufactured in the UK and sold and distributed worldwide by The In Thing, based at Glenfield Park Two in Blakewater Road.

The In Thing head of marketing Kieran Murphy said: “The new launch allows you to design and create your own chocolate bar.

“Simply melt the chocolate packs in a bowl of warm tap water, pick a stencil and the fun begins.

“Draw your favourite character or even send a hand written message as a gift for any occasion.”

The toy has also attracted interest from celebrity Paul O’Grady, who included it in his ‘top six Christmas toys of 2013’ and reviewed it alongside singer Michael Buble.

Mr Murphy said: “It is fantastic to see the Magic Choc range being sold all over the world.

“We’re extremely proud of the chocolate toy brand we have built and to see that it will be under thousands of Christmas trees this year and for years to come.”

Elsewhere, Blackburn toy shop boss Rose Fowler said action figures had been big for the boys this Christmas, with dolls the popular choice for girls.

The store manager at Mercer’s Toys in Darwen Street said: “There has been a bit of a mix and match this year really.

“But for the boys, Iron Man, Spiderman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been selling really well, while for girls there has been a move back to dolls, with Baby Born and Baby Annabell.

“At nursery age, Woolly, Mr Tumble and In The Night Garden have all been very much in demand.”