Museum provides insight into the toys and pastimes of the past

Young people who have grown up with X-boxes, PlayStations, DVDs and satellite TV can turn the clock back to when children considered themselves lucky to have skipping ropes.

The sessions will also stress the differences between rich and poor during the era – when young members of wealthy house-holds would have had a toy cupboard stocked with the best that money could buy.

The Playtime events at the museum are being held each Wednesday during the summer holidays between 2 and 4pm.

Museum volunteers will also wheel out a silver treasure chests full of fantastic traditional toys.

"We have a variety of toys to show the difference between what rich and poor people would have had, for example beautiful porcelain dolls and dolls made of wooden spoons," said organiser Drene Brooks.

The more energetic can try outdoor toys – such as diabolos, cup and ball and skipping ropes.

Shirley Jones, who plays a very strict Matron during school visits, said: "But don't think the children will be running amok. The children will have to behave in a traditional way too – quiet and respectful."