AN £86,690 touring toy library opened in east Cleveland yesterday.

The service will also provide specialised toys for children with special needs.

"We have been planning this since January and we are delighted that we are now ready to get up and running," said Alison Nairn, of the Redcar and Cleveland and Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

"The toy library features toys and musical instruments for all children. We will be visiting libraries and other selected venues throughout the borough on a two-week rolling programme so that parents and childcare professionals may choose from the catalogue and borrow toys for up to two weeks at a time."

The library will have a shop in Vicarage Drive, Marske, near Redcar, and will begin visiting libraries from Monday.

It has been established with a European Social Fund grant of £67,690, a £5,000 grant from Sure Start East Cleveland, and £14,000 from the Government.

Loan fees are £1 for individuals and £5 to day nurseries and schools for a year's membership. For more information call (01642) 771173.