A COLOURFUL exhibition of Indian toys is on display in Hartlepool.

Khel: Toys from India, showcases handmade toys and games used by millions of children through the years.

The exhibition is touring the country from the V&A Museum of Childhood, in London.

It will stay at the Museum of Hartlepool until December 3.

There is a strong tradition in India of making toys by hand, using natural resources available locally.

Toys are also made from recycled materials, including paper, plastic, wool - even old videotape.

A section in the exhibition includes objects and toys made by some of India's poorest children, the street-dwellers of New Delhi.

Colourful and intricate puppets used in traditional Indian entertainment are also on show, alongside clay dancing dolls, miniature glass animals and brass figures which represent toys made for ornamentation.

Linked with the exhibition, youngsters took part in half-term workshops to make toys.

Kate Ainger, exhibition officer at the museum, said: "We were making puppets and stencils and were pretty busy. We had all different ages of children visiting with their families who all had lots of fun. We will also be holding workshops for schools during term time."

The museum is open each day from 10am to 5pm.