Toys recalled in paint scare

A Shrewsbury toy maker has been forced to recall thousands of wooden Noah's Arks after excessive lead was found in the paint.

The Toy Workshop, based at Oxon Business Park, has called in a batch of 2,000 arks which were made in China.

The company, which has marketed its own handmade designs for 12 years, issued the recall after trading standards officials found the paint problem during a routine check of the stock of toys.

It is the first time a specialist British up-market toy manufacturer has been affected by the problems.

Shropshire trading standards has now launched an inquiry into the cause of the excessive lead in the paint after the tests in Tyne and Wear.Most of the affected toys were sent to TK Maxx stores across Britain, but the retailer has now removed them from its shelves.

However 500 arks were sent to smaller independent shops and The Toy Workshop wants them all returned.

The batch concerned consists of medium and large arks selling for about £25 and £30. They were delivered to shops between February 13 and August 21.

Gary Woods, director of The Toy Workshop, said this was the first time concerns had been raised about its products.

He said: "We have instigated a thorough investigation. We have been to the factories, auditing and trying to find what has gone wrong and ensuring that the correct action is taken to safeguard future production, 100 per cent testing every product in production again to ensure it complies with the standard."

Mr Woods said most of the products had been made previously in Sri Lanka, but increased demand meant manufacturers in China and the Far East were also used.

It is believed a factory which began making the arks last year is responsible for the excessive use of lead in its paint. Mr Woods said production there has now ceased.

Customers can take their toys back to the shops for a refund or contact The Toy Workshop on (01743) 350500 for advice.

By Andy Robbins