A VOLUNTEER-RUN toy library will open its doors in Melksham later this month.

Providing children and carers with a wide range of rented toys, games and puzzles, the library is being run by members of the Wiltshire Pre-School Learning Alliance.

With a grand opening planned for September 28, volunteers hope the once-a-month facility at Thornbank, King Street, will follow the success of a similar service in Chippenham, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.

Toys can be hired from as little as 30p but there is an annual membership fee of £3. The European Social Fund provides funding for the service.

The long search for a suitable home for the project came to an end when West Wiltshire Housing Society officers suggested Thornbank sheltered housing scheme as an ideal location.

Eileen Burtt, Wiltshire Toy Library coordinator, said: "We believe that children start learning from the day they are born and play is a most valuable part of this. Our toy libraries offer an invaluable source of toys to carers of pre-school children in Wiltshire."

The toy library will be open between 10am and 12.30pm on the last Saturday of every month.