BOLTON MP and busy mum Ruth Kelly has backed the town's toy library Lottery bid. And Ruth's son, Eamonn, was handed his very own membership of the library for his first birthday as the toddler celebrated his 12-month milestone this week. The Bolton Toy Library was set up in 1981 and has been funded by the BBC's Children in Need.

But that cash has run out and the scheme badly needs money - or it will be forced to close.

Campaigners Kath Higson and Anita Ball, who both work full-time in the community to promote play, are hoping to win backing for the scheme.

The toy library lends toys to families in some of the borough's most deprived areas.

Ruth Kelly, the Bolton West MP, said: "I think this is an excellent scheme which fully deserves a grant from the National Lottery.

"The toy library benefits families across Bolton because they can provide equipment that parents may not be able to afford.

"They have an excellent range of toys from as little as 50 pence a week and I would recommend parents to give them a call."

The library is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at The Children's Centre, Devonshire Road.

The library takes to the road on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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