Reopened toy library aims to reduce waste

Children can keep the toys for two weeks

A scheme where people can borrow bags of children's toys has reopened in Frome Library after a year away.

Run by local charity Purple Elephant, the Toy Library has more than 50 "play sacks" to lend out to children up to the age of six.

Available to library members, the newly revamped scheme allows toys to be reused and help parents and carers save money.

Toys range from blocks to marbles, and even circus skills, with lenders keeping the bags for up to two weeks.

Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset, Sue Willis, the founder of Purple Elephant said: "People will be able to benefit from getting different toys to keep up with their child's development, keep things fresh and interesting for them... and have a bit more fun."

There are 50 bags of toys to choose from

The scheme is run out of Frome Library on Wednesday afternoons, and has items for babies, toddlers and older children.

Each bag can be viewed online in advance, and up to two can be taken out at any one time.

Purple Elephant said the scheme will hopefully "reduce wastage and landfill dumping" and prevent family homes from becoming cluttered.

Families are charged a £2 fee (reduced to £1 if they are on universal benefits), but there is no penalty if something breaks.