YOUNGSTERS expecting a new teddy bear or doll for Christmas are being invited to register their toys at Hartlepool Register Office.

In return for a small donation to charity, children will be able to meet the registrars, on Saturday, December 28, who will fill out a mini-birth certificate for the child's favourite doll or cuddly toy.

The certificates include the name and description of the toy, its date of birth and the name and address of its owner.

To make them official, the certificates are signed by one of the registrars.

Peter Spires, superintendent registrar, said: "At Christmas there will be lots of new teddies, dollies and other cuddly toys coming into the world and arriving at their new homes on Christmas morning. We think it is just a nice idea for youngsters to have a birth certificate for their new friend.

"It is a bit of fun, but it also helps youngsters learn about the work of the registrar office, which plays an important role at various stages of our lives."

The event takes place from 10am to noon and youngsters must be accompanied by an adult.

For details, call (01429) 236369.