Tong, the award-winning Yorkshire garden centre, has doubled the size of its toy department after joining a specialist buying group.

The centre has teamed up with Birmingham buying group AIS (Associated Independent Stores) to offer an increased range of quality toys, including leading brands like Lego and Playmobil.

Commercial Director Sharon McNair is delighted with the partnership: "Membership of AIS gives us access to brands like Lego that are difficult for garden centres to get hold of and represents future opportunities to expand the cook shop with access to prestige brands like Le Creuset.

"Families come from all over Yorkshire to experience the wonder of Tong's Christmas Grotto and now they will also be able to pick up some traditional board games and toys when they visit."

In addition to Lego and Playmobil, the extended toy shop will stock a range of TY and Jellycat soft toys, Play Doh and Depeche brand, Top Model products.