Toy soldiers launched in Lees

A NEW range of military action figures designed to celebrate Britain’s armed forces has been unveiled by Lees-based toy giant Character Options.

The company, which is based at Leesbrook Mill, designed the soldiers, sailors and airmen with the help of the Army, Royal Navy and the RAF to ensure that they looked as authentic as possible.

A total of 32 products will feature in the initial HM Armed Forces collection, including a Royal Marine Commando, an army infantryman and an RAF fast jet pilot, and the products will go on sale tomorrow.

Other items available in the range include a tank with a spring-powered gun, a VTOL fast jet, with opening cockpit for the pilot, and a remote-controlled hovercraft which travels over water and land.

More toys will be added to the range later, which will give children the chance to play games and dress-up, and a dedicated website will be set up.

The range is intended to fill the gap in the market left by figures popular with youngsters in the past, such as Action Man.

A spokesman for Character Options said: “Character Options is proud to unveil the new HM Armed Forces collection which promises to fill the significant void in the action figure market in recent years caused by the lack of authentic military inspired toys.”

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: “We are rightly proud to be celebrating our Armed Forces through the production of these new action figures.

“These toys showcase our people and equipment and this commercial recognition proves the high level support for our forces among the British public.”