Bradford's closure-threatened toy library today received a fantastic Christmas present - a massive collection of specialist toys.

Shipley-based company Spacekraft put together the gift after learning about Bradford Toy Library's plight through the Telegraph & Argus Save our Play appeal.

The vital resource for disabled and special needs children will close at the end of March unless it gets an urgent injection of cash to pay for its two co-ordinators and new toys.

At least £12,000 is needed to keep the library going for another 12 months but thanks to the T&A's appeal, more than £4,000 has already been raised in less than a fortnight.

The cash will mean more toys like the ones given by Spacekraft can be bought and the vital co-ordinators who run the library can continue to work at its base at St Luke's Hospital.

Co-ordinator Emma Fawcett said they were overwhelmed by the firm's generosity.

"It's fantastic - a wonderful Christmas present," she said.

She said the appeal was making a big difference by raising awareness of the toy library and the importance of their service.

"A huge number of people have said they did not know how serious the situation was.

"We are really grateful for this donation," she said.

Spacekraft - the main supplier of the toy library - gave the specialist equipment after finding out exactly what the library desperately needed.

Glittery tubes, glow-in-the-dark balls and toys, wooden games and a projector are among the hundreds of goodies in the tub.

Director John Kopelciw said he was thrilled to be able to help the appeal.

"Our core business is special needs children and the main reason we wanted to help is because its nice to give something back."

He said the firm designed its toys according to customer feedback and now wanted to discuss its products, which are designed to build up youngsters' skills and aid their development, with toy library staff.

Spacekraft, which is run by Mr Kopelciw and Bruce Todhuntercrrt, was started 12 years ago and supplies multi-sensory products to America, Japan, China and India.

Toy library users also applauded the firm's gesture.

Anne-Marie Alinsoncrtt has used the library for toys and information to help with her five-year-old daughter Nicole Ledgard crrt, who has autism.

"I think the donation is great and I would urge everyone to support the appeal, without a doubt.

"If the library was not here it would make a big difference to many parents whose children have had a diagnosis of autism because it means they can get a lot of extra information."

She said the co-ordinators had advised her about the condition as well as what benefits she could claim.

"I can ring up if I've got any problems and it really does help," the Eccleshill mum said.

Donations and charity events all over Bradford have helped boost the appeal's coffers, but more cash is needed to reach the target and make sure the library stays open.

Among the Bradford firms who have given money instead of sending Christmas cards are Nektar crrt Therapeutics Uk Ltd, of Listerhills Science Park, which has given £100.

The Ridge Medical Practice, which has surgeries in Great Horton and Wibsey, has given £55 after staff wrote Christmas greetings on a notice board.

Cash can be paid into a special appeal bank account or by sending cheques directly to the Telegraph & Argus.