An independent selection of new products and resources

Two new role-play units have been introduced into the Halsall toy range - the Ask the Doctor Medical Trolley and the Junior Post Office. The medical trolley has curved handles in moulded plastic, with an adjustable top tray and a working LCD screen display of jolly faces to enable children to 'monitor patient progress'. The electronic play console also enables would-be medics to check heartbeat, temperature and blood pressure, and includes an 'ask the doctor' feature, which provides both a diagnosis and a suggested remedy. The unit also holds vital tools - a reflex hammer, bandage, mirror, scissors, large and small medicine bottles, tray, tweezers, syringe and a drip with authentic bubbling action. All the instruments are made from brightly-coloured, chunky plastic so as not to worry squeamish adults. The trolley measures 49cm at handle height, priced 29.99. The Junior Post Office functions as a Royal Mail post box, with authentic collection times label, slit for letters and a carrying handle, and also opens out into a post office counter. The counter includes an integral clock, open and closed sign, weighing scale and parcels, a letter box for normal and air mail letters, a key lock to open the letter box, and accessories that include stamps, saving books, colour pencils, driving licence, coins, ink pads, postcards and envelopes. The post box is 35cm high when it is closed up, priced 14.99.