A CLEVELAND museum is being transformed into an Aladdin's cave for toy fans.

A display charting a century of self-build toys promises to be one of the most spectacular exhibitions ever staged at Kirthleatham Hall where Mechanics Made Easy: 100 Years of Meccano opens tomorrow.

The construction toy may have been overtaken in the popularity stakes by more modern gadgets, but its enduring charm allows it to celebrate its centenary this year.

The display will chart Meccano through the ages, with working models of the Transporter Bridge, fairground rides, traction engines and cranes.

Hornby trains and Dinky toys, both made by Meccano, will also feature.

Museum curator, Mr Phil Philo, said: "Meccano really deserves a revival.

Maybe the wow factor has been superseded by other technology and children have lost the manipulative skills needed, but this is a fantastic collection.

"The exhibition is spectacular. It is rare that we get to have working models and working toys demonstrated."

The display is the combined collection of just two men from the area, both of whom wish to remain anonymous.

"But it's fair to say that what we've got represents years and years of collecting, and we are very grateful," said Mr Philo.

An area has been set aside with boxes of modern Meccano for people to make their own models, and it is hoped to have daily demonstrations of various exhibits from 11am to 3pm.

The display runs until April 22 during normal museum opening hours, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm