The popular organisation on Squires Avenue has loaned toys to local youngsters and offered a support network for local families since it was launched in 1979.

But funding from Nottingham City Council was controversially withdrawn in May and the organisation has struggled to find the extra cash to bridge the gap.

In a bid to beat the threat of closure, the library will launch a new service in January aimed at care professionals, who will be able to hire packs of toys for as little as £5.

The organisation will also continue to offer services including after-school play sessions, family visits and a drop-in service for parents for as long as it can.

Project manager Steve Parkinson said: "We have about 100 families using us. We encourage children to play with each other. It's a learning process that people would otherwise struggle to get access to."

Bulwell mum Sam Keteon said: "I've been using the toy library for years now and it's brilliant. I couldn't afford to buy the toys new so it's great to be able to give my kids different toys to play with."

To offer support to the toy library, call 0115 9753898.