As Christmas approaches a unique rehabilitation scheme for unloved toys is reaching its busiest time of the year.

Rejected: Unwanted toys are sent to the warehouse

Broken or rejected toys taken back to the chemists chain, Boots, are repaired by a team of young offenders on community service. The recycled toys are then donated to charity.

Besides benefiting the community, the scheme also makes good business sense.

"It makes a major contribution to our reputation, it's very good for staff moral and we even save on landfill costs," said Boots community relations spokeswoman, Pat Dexter.

Happy Christmas: Toys are donated around Nottingham

Thousands of toys and goods are sent to the Boots warehouse in Nottingham. There the toys are carefully checked.

Those that require attention end up in a repair room staffed by Boots workers and offenders on community service orders.

Nottingham's chief probation officer, David Hancock, described the scheme as extremely constructive.

Gratefully received: Children are overjoyed with their new playmates

"Our research shows that where offenders are engaged in work where a tangible benefit to others can be seen they are more likely to complete their orders successfully and are less likely to commit further offences in the future," he said.

Once the toys are given the all clear, they are distributed around Nottingham.

A total of 4,000 toys have already been handed out this year.
 

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