Starlings Toymaster, a Norfolk business established more than 100 years ago, is enjoying a busy year which is now in its peak period in the build up to Christmas.

The first Starlings shop opened in Sheringham and there are now shops in Holt, Bury St Edmunds and Dereham.

Starlings has been in Dereham for eight years and is based in Wright's Walk.

Managing director Jon Starling said: 'It can be tough running a business in a market town, but we are doing well and we are having a very good year this year.

'Things have picked up since the kids went back to school.

'Between now and Christmas I expect us to be really busy.'

Starlings Toymaster specialises in construction toys.

Mr Starling said the old favourite, Lego, is proving extremely popular this year.

He said: 'It's the best year we've had for Lego sales.

'Due to the Lego film, Lego has been absolutely massive this year and popular with both boys and girls.'

Other items moving rapidly off the shelves include Disney's Frozen dolls and Little Live Pets and, he said, Minecraft remains very popular.

Mr Starling added: 'We pride ourselves on the quality of the service we provide, including a ring and reserve service, and we remain very good value for money.

'We can compete with the multi-nationals.

'We make sure we remain very competitive and it's great that we are still continuing to do well. We've had a much better year this year than in previous years.'

As members of the respected Toymaster group, Starlings has the buying power of the multiple retailers, but is able to exhibit the personal service that an independent retailer can offer.

Starlings has a comprehensive website concentrating on offering big ranges from some of the best known manufacturers including Playmobil, Lego and Sylvanian Families.

Fisher Price toys, Zapf girl's dolls and Star Wars toys are just some of the other ranges available from Starlings.

Customers can also find VTech learning aids, jigsaw puzzles from Orchard Toys or Hornby railway sets.

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