CHILDREN living with their mums at the West Dorset Women’s Refuge have a selection of new toys and games to play with, thanks to Dorset County Council’s toy library.

The Resources Equipment and Toy Store (TREATS), based in Bere Regis, offers a wide range of more than 3,000 items for hire.

Parents, grandparents, carers, playgroups and childcare professionals can borrow anything from a jigsaw puzzle to a giant Jenga game, while craft materials are also available to buy.

Manager Jen Wraight said: “One of our volunteers, Lesley Elliott, has sorted through some items which have not been used for a while – mainly games, puzzles and books.

“We hope the children at the ref-uge will enjoy playing and learning with them, and that they will be able to take any favourite toys with them when they move on.”

Refuge committee chairman Molly Rennie added: “It’s wonderful to receive all these boxes of lovely toys – including lots of games that mums can play with their children.

“When you are fleeing from domestic violence and abuse, it’s usually last-minute and unplanned.

“The children arrive at the refuge with nothing, so these gifts are very welcome indeed.

“As well as larger toys, I was delighted to find lots of little cuddly toys, small books and games, which will go into the goody bags we give each child when they arrive.

“I’m particularly pleased that TREATS thought of us, because raising awareness is just as important as raising money.

“And we do want to make people aware that help is there for everybody, and no one should suffer in silence.

“Anyone who needs us can of course ring at any time on 01305 262444.”

Coun Rebecca Knox, county council cabinet member for safeguarding children and families, praised the scheme.

She said: “This is a really imaginative way of sharing and re-using these toys, by passing them on to children who might have to leave everything behind when they move out of an abusive home.” The toy library can also deliver items to more than 20 children’s centres and other access points around the county, making it easy for everybody to access a range of good quality toys.

TREATS can be contacted on 01929 472937, or go to the website dorsetforyou.com/treats toylibrary