THERE was a party atmosphere at a hotel in Baildon as a Bradford charity that brings joy into the lives of children with special needs celebrated its 40th birthday.
The Bradford Toy Library, which was set up in 1975, is based at the child development unit at St Luke's Hospital in the city and is a lifeline for many youngsters and their families.
It provides - for free - a variety of toys, specialist toys, books and play equipment for more than 400 families that are on its database.
On Friday night, at Hollins Hall Hotel in Baildon, many of those families contributed to the party atmosphere on a fun-packed night complete with toys, bumper tombola and raffle, dancing, music and food.
Families who currently use the toy library, as well as those who used it in the past, joined in the fun and paid tribute to the organisation.
Robert and Marie Samuels were there with 22-year-old son Corbin, who has autism and used the toy library when he was at primary school.
The family, of Idle, said the toy library was a "lifesaver". Mr Samuels said: "It is very important. It is also very informative in terms of information about which way to go for health things. They pointed us in the right direction for getting the right information for what was required."
Mrs Samuels said she used the toy library before Corbin to find out more about his condition. She said: "I borrowed books to learn about the condition."
She added: "The toy library is greatly important. It got Corbin to mix with like-minded people and we got to make friends with other parents as well.
"It is a lifesaver."
Richard Robinson said his and partner Claire's son Joel loves the toy library. The 13-year-old has cerebral palsy and has been going along to the toy library for about ten years.
"It has been really good," said Mr Robinson. "Joel has made lots of friends here, and so have we. He loves coming here.
"Michelle and Emma who run it work really hard."
The couple's six-year-old daughter Ruby, who is not disabled, also goes along. Mr Robinson, of Shipley, said: "Ruby has met a lot of children in a similar situation to her."
Gina O'Hara volunteers for the toy library and donates items.
"It is amazing and quite inspiring," she said. "It is an achievement and is great that they can still do what they do. Everyone involved keeps it going."
Mrs O'Hara also takes her children along to interact with youngsters at the toy library.
"The kids have a good time," she said. "They get to interact with children with disabilities. It is good to give them that different perspective."
Michelle Neale, who is one of the toy library's joint-coordinators alongside Emma Fawcett, said: "It is very informal, very relaxed - a chance for the families to come and enjoy themselves.
"It is absolutely amazing to be 40 years old. For a small charity - it is absolutely massive for us.
"Thank you to all the funders and to all who have made donations."
The Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Mike Gibbons was a guest at the party. He said: "It is a tremendous party atmoshere and it is wonderful to be here to help celebrate the toy library's 40th anniversary. I am proud to be invited along and to help them celebrate."
He added: "The toy library does tremendous work with disadvantaged children. I would like to wish them all the success for the next 40 years."
Sylvie Bailey, of spina bifida charity Shine, which links up with the toy library, said: "It is an absolutely vital resource, without a doubt."
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