WHAT goes down must come up for the growing number of yo-yo addicts as the latest craze takes off - and comes back again - in East Lancashire playgrounds.

Toy shops are turning away customers as young spin-doctors are walking the dog, rocking the baby and going round the world to put a modern twist on a traditional toy.

And the old-fashioned spindle-on-a-string has been replaced with hi-tech gadgets, including tri-axle system delivery, automatic return and longer spin.

"We've had light-up yo-yos, Batman yo-yos, Actionman yo-yos and yo-yos that play Ole Ole," said Rose Fowler, manager of Mercer's of Blackburn toy department.

"At the moment everyone seems to have gone yo-yo potty. As soon as we get them in, they sell."

Rose sold out after receiving 500 requests for the twisting toys last weekend and can't fill the shelves fast enough. "Parents are buying them for children as young as three and we are having to shorten the strings for some," she said.

Youth worker Geraldine Thornley aims to divert children's energies away from crime and she's so thrilled with the craze she organised a spinning competition at Youth Works, Roman Road Estate.

"I think it's brilliant," she said. "The price is a big issue because it doesn't cost the earth to have fun. A computer is so expensive but you can get a yo-yo for a pound or two."

She's planning more competitions after 22 children joined in the last one with prize vouchers provided by Asda.

"Their tricks are very impressive and they really take it seriously," she said.

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