Two Oxfordshire mums hope to import a play idea from their native Australia to entertain and educate children, while easing household bills. Michelle Linstrom and Nikki Wise (pictured) have got together to set up a business, called Toy Hire, born from their experiences of returning to their home country with their children.

"We both hire toys when we go back home and it seems to work there - but it is a new thing in Britain," said Ms Linstrom.

The two mothers met when they both replied to an advertisement for the same house in Fringford, near Bicester, and stayed in touch when they settled in the area - Ms Linstrom in Chesterton and Ms Wise in Croughton.

Ms Linstrom formerly worked in human resources, while Ms Wise is a graphic designer.

Ms Linstrom said: "We now have five children between us. Nikki's oldest child is at school and we wanted to start something that helps parents out, particularly people moving into the area or coming on holiday.

"We have been working on this for about a year, holding focus groups and toy testing to see whether it was feasible. It is a whole new concept and we have to change people's mindset into hiring rather than buying."

They have taken on a unit at a Bicester industrial estate, which is packed with toys of all shapes and sizes, for babies and toddlers as well as older children.

"When parents and children see our stock they can't believe that we have so many things," said Ms Linstrom.

She added: "We have set the whole thing up with a view to franchising the idea."

One of their most popular toys is a big plastic Princess Castle, and there are ride-on toys for toddlers and for children up to 11, as well as slides and big garden toys.

An education and learning section is due to launch for the new term in September to help parents with homework packs, as well as supporting schools and nurseries.

Michelle added: "Childminders have found the whole concept most helpful."

Contact: www.toyhire.co.uk