THE North Yorkshire company behind Pokemon toys and the Furby hopes it has come up with the next must-have toy, in time for Christmas.

Tiger Electronics, of Harrogate, has designed an interactive infant, called Robo Baby, which behaves like a baby, crawling and cooing when it is happy and crying if it needs feeding or changing.

Through infancy the toy makes baby sounds, but, with more time and attention, Robo Baby will develop into a walking, talking toddler, speak 20 basic infant words and interact with other Robo Baby toys.

After the Furby craze a few years ago, the firm is hoping to create the same interest with its latest product, which is expected to be on sale in the shops from October, costing £24.99.