THE Borrowers' Toy Library has just welcomed the 500th member through its doors.

Membership has rocketed since the library moved into its new home at Barnards Green in January.

When Ledbury mum Frances Innes joined this week it helped the organisation reach the milestone.

A National Lottery grant of £106,687 in July last year meant the library was able to move and employ a full-time co-ordinator.

"It has really taken off since we moved into our new premises," said Evelyn Cunningham, chairman of the library.

"We are hoping to expand the service to a mobile library in the future."

However, the library is constantly trying to generate more funding to guarantee its future.

"It's a daunting prospect," Mrs Cunningham admitted, "We need to find enough funds to stay where we are without putting up the membership fee, which would prevent the people who need to borrow the toys from being able to."

The library is open between 9.30am-4.30pm Tuesdays and 2pm-7.30pm Wednesdays. Membership is £20 for the year, and children are allowed to borrow up to four toys on each visit. More details from 01684 891081.