TOY stores in Chorley have been inundated with shoppers desperate to get their hands on the Thunderbird game 'Tracy Island'.

Other 'must-have' gifts this Christmas include the new model Playstation 1, and the electronic version of the 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?'. But getting hold of them could prove a puzzle in itself.

Easier to find popular presents this year tend to be found in the electronic toys department such as radio-controlled versions of the machines featured in BBC2's popular 'Robot Wars'. But for those who like good old-fashioned toys, scooters are still proving a big hit.

Last year's big seller was the 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' board game, which is proving once again to be a hit in Chorley, as is the junior board game version. Computer games, Barbies and Action Men are as popular as ever, and for younger children, the Tweenies are in demand.

Alan Towell, manager of Woolworths, Market Walk, Chorley, says he could have done with a full-time receptionist to deal with all the enquiries made about the "must-have, can't-get" toys recently. "The phones have been on melt-down", he said.

He said Woolworths will be getting further deliveries of toys, including the electronic 'Millionaire' game, before Christmas. Last week they were out of some toys due to extremely high demand.

Jack Hampson, of Hampson's Toys and Nursery World, in Market Street, said that demand for different toys varies depending on which adverts have been on the television during the week. He said some children change their mind about what they want for Christmas, while others don't make up their mind until the specific toys wanted become harder to get hold of.

"It's a very risky business" said Jack. "No one knew what the demand was going to be. Everybody got it wrong."

He said Tracy Island got snapped up straightaway from the shelves by eager shoppers, quite unexpectedly.

Josie Hampson assures those who ordered their toys earlier in the year from their independent toy store that they won't be disappointed, but she said Hampson's' waiting lists for toys in such great demand such as the Thunderbirds' Island are now full.

Maggie Davies, manager of Argos, in Market Street, said the store receives up to two deliveries per day. As the stock situation is changing all the time, Maggie advises customers to "keep trying" until they find their desired toy. GIFT ideas: Mike Hampson with some of the hottest toys on the market