A UNIQUE toy library faces the chop unless vital cash can be found.

The Bolton Toy Library was set up in 1981 to provide toys for children to play with in some of the most deprived areas of the borough.

Since then the library has gone from strength to strength. But in September this year, cash from the BBC's Children In Need appeal will run out.

Kath Higson and Anita Ball are toy librarians who work full time in local communities to promote play.

Toys from the library are taken to community centres, nurseries and other venues and loaned out to individuals to encourage development through play.

The library's importance has already been recognised by various groups across the borough.

The Health for Bolton Community Fund recently awarded the library £218 to buy a series of multi- cultural dolls.

The dolls, representing races and cultures from around the world are the latest initiative aimed at increasing childrens understanding of their own and different cultures.

The Library welcomes enquiries from parents, childminders, playgroups and nurseries, health and education groups from across the borough.

For more information contact Kath Higson or Anita Ball on Bolton 849928. Youngsters playing with multi-cultural dolls from threatened Bolton Toy Library.

Top: Natasha Jones and Safiya Amla.

Right: Nabeel Patel.

Below: Deen Mugal.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.