IT sounds like a dream come true for most little ones – come into a shop and test out all the best toys in time for Christmas.

And that's what happened when a group of seven girls and eight boys, aged three to 12, came to Debenhams in Nottingham to put a selection of products under scrutiny.

All are regular users of Bulwell Toy Library – and with parents in charge of writing down comments and staff on hand to keep track of the top picks, we got their views:

Grace Edmiston, 5, said: "I like the hairdressing set, I want to be a hairdresser when I grow up."

Caitlin Edmiston, 7, added: "I want to work for the RSPCA, I like ponies." She also played with the Nerf Maverick Blaster: "I like how it stands up, but it's not very easy to play with, it's a bit fiddly but I like the colour."

Georgia Milburn, 3, liked the Galt Paint Your Own Tea Set: "Because it's purple."

Morgan Williams, 5, got to grips with the VTech Kidizoom Twist Camera: "It's good and it's got games on it." She also loved the Barbie Fashionista Doll: "I like her hair, her dress and her bendy, twisty arms and legs. She's sporty."

Aston Brannigan, 5, said: "I like playing with Optimus Prime."

Theo Coulling, 5, with Cars 2 Fully Loaded, said: "I like the roof – it lifts up and the car talks: 'Stand Back!' , 'Top Secret!'"

Once their feedback had been compiled, it showed that Lego was their top toy for Christmas this year. Coming a close second was the VTech Kidizoom Twist Camera.

All the children received a goodie bag with an activity pack, while parents got a £10 gift card to spend on toys. The store also donated £40 worth of toys to the library to thank them for their time.

Library project manager Steve Parkinson, who accompanied the children, added: "For children, having to test toys is a dream come true and they had a fantastic time playing with everything. They thought their Christmas had come early!"

Debenhams gifts sales manager Bushra Hussain said: "It's the first time we've done this. It's great to give something back to the community and who better to test out the toys than the children who'll be using them?

"We're going to publish the top choices in store and use them as a guide to help present-buying parents."

Store manager Ivor Davies added: "Christmas shopping is notoriously stressful for parents, so hopefully having a proven list of toys that we know kids love to play with will help ease the pressure a little."

Mum-of-four Leanne Edmiston, from Bulwell, said: "The Bulwell Toy Library is great as kids can interact with each other and borrow toys suitable for their age. Parents also get to meet and chat and borrowing the toys saves money."

Loretta Brown and Anna Milburn, both mums of two, agreed: "It's a good place for children to go and play, really welcoming and friendly with a relaxed atmosphere."