Three toys from an independent company in Oldham have made an annual Christmas wish list, as voted for by a panel of experts.

Character Options, which trades out of Lees, is celebrating after three of its toys have been awarded DreamToy status.

Launched by the Toy Retailers Association, which represents the UK’s toy retail trade industry, DreamToys marks the countdown to Christmas with a guide to the top-20 most anticipated gifts for the festive season. 

This year, Character Options has created Fingerlings – an interactive baby monkey which wraps around your finger and has more than 70 sounds and reactions.

The Oldham Times: Fingerlings monkey clings to kids fingersFingerlings monkey clings to kids fingers (Image: Evolution PR)

Jerry Healey, the company’s marketing director, said: “It’s great to see Fingerlings, Dog-E and the TMNT PizzaFire Van make the coveted DreamToys list.

The Oldham Times: Dog-E will be on children's wish lists this ChristmasDog-E will be on children's wish lists this Christmas (Image: Evolution PR)

“We are very proud of the entire team, whose hard work and commitment in supplying and marketing these toys has made this a reality.

“It’s a huge honour and we’re delighted to be flying the flag for Oldham.”

The Oldham Times: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mutant mayhem pizza fire vanTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mutant mayhem pizza fire van (Image: Evolution PR)

Dog-E is Character Options’ second toy that made the list. The robot dog has one million combinations to make it unique to its owner – a perfect gift for tech-savvy kids.

The third is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mutant mayhem pizza fire van which does what it says on the tin, fires pizzas. It is a multi-feature toy aimed at fans of the show.

Got a story? I cover every aspect of journalism from a company that makes toys to human interest tales. Email me at joe.yates@newsquest.co.uk or direct message me on Twitter @JMYjourno