Help sought on war toys' origin

The toys are thought to have been made during the Occupation

A Jersey tourist attraction is appealing for help to shed light on the history of two toys believed to have been made during World War II.

Jersey War Tunnels, which tells the story of the island's Occupation, acquired the toys from a charity shop.

The toys feature characters, dressed in multi-coloured outfits, riding bicycles made of wire. When the wheels are rotated their legs move up and down.

Anyone with information about the toys should contact Jersey War Tunnels.

'Fascinating' toys

They were bought from Jersey Hospice Care after Ian Cabot, a volunteer for the organisation, contacted Jersey War Tunnels when they were brought into the St Ouen's shop as a donation earlier this year.

"The toys are fascinating but we know very little about them - the only information we have is that they were supposedly made during the Occupation," said Chris Addy from Jersey War Tunnels.

It would be great to find out where they have come from in order to interpret them fully when they are displayed in the future Chris Addy, Jersey War Tunnels

"I have consulted a number of people with specific knowledge of the period.

"The toys are made from many fragments of odd fabric and so much effort has been invested in them that it suggests that they were made when materials were scarce and time wasn't such a prevailing issue.

"We would be really interested to hear from the person who donated them to Jersey Hospice Care or even from the person who made them or someone who knew the maker.

"It would be great to find out where they have come from in order to interpret them fully when they are displayed in the future."