One for the collection as toy fair comes to Stafford
[gallery] From vintage model trains to Star Wars, collectors from across the region flocked to the Staffordshire County Showground for a toy fair.
More than 1,500 people descended on the venue for the Stafford Toy and Train Collectors Fair on Sunday.
There were around 250 different stalls, selling everything from Lego to model trains, soft toys to Star Wars memorabilia.
BP Fairs manager Ellis Potter said: "It was a great event. It was a bit quieter than normal – probably because it was Father's Day.
"But we had around 1,500 people visit us throughout the day. The toy fairs in Stafford are always popular. There was plenty for people to see, with around 250 different stalls set up."
Both young and old went along to browse the stalls and pick up a toy to add to their beloved collections.
Mr Potter added: "The older collectors are into things like model railways and cars, whereas the youngsters like the Lego.
"Lego is still very popular, even after all these years. Kids still like playing with it." For the past 60 years, Lego has been popular with children around the world.
The Lego Group, based in Denmark, began manufacturing interlocking toy bricks in 1949.
As of 2013, around 560 billion Lego parts had been produced.
Mr Potter added that the Star Wars themed toys were also very popular with collectors at the fair.
The fair took place in two halls at the showground – the Prestwood Hall and the adjoining Argyle Hall. Dealers included Peter Woods Antique Toys, Penketh Model Railway Centre, Be Joyful Bears, Along Classic Lines, Mersey Collectables, Woodman Display Cabinets, Loughborough Model Centre, JG Collectables and The British Toy Soldier Company.
Other toys on sale included Scalextric, dolls and teddy bears, books, games and jigsaws.
The next Stafford Toy and Train Collectors Fair is being held on August 10 at the County Showground.
