The co-ordinators of a network of toy libraries have warned it would be "extremely detrimental" to children if their main supplier had to shut.

Karen Morris and Janet Jewitt, of the Bradford District Toy Libraries Network, were speaking in support of the Telegraph & Argus Save Our Play Appeal.

The appeal is aiming to raise at least £12,000 to keep Bradford Toy Library going for another 12 months or more.

More than 1,000 children with disabilities or special needs use the library to access specialist toys to help them develop.

But the registered charity which runs the service, based at St Luke's Hospital, is short of cash and may have to close in March.

"If Bradford Toy Library closed it would be extremely detrimental to us as a network," said Ms Morris.

"Most of our toys and equipment come from there."

The network links several organisations, including the Bradford Toy Library, Bradford Area Play Association, Bradford Council's Early Years and Childcare Service, and the Asian Leisure Library, allowing clients such as schools and groups to access toys and resources from all the members.

The co-ordinators of the network, which is funded by the European Social Fund, distribute toys to clients across the district.

Ms Morris said Bradford Toy Library was their main supplier because of its large range of toys.

"They also have toys for special needs children which are very popular because they are expensive to buy.

"I also get information from the toy library co-ordinators - if someone rings up wanting a toy for a visually impaired child, I can ask them what would be best."

She said their delivery service allowed children who could not get to the toy library to use its services.

The Save Our Play Appeal needs less than £3,000 to reach its target, thanks to the generosity of people across the district.

Cheques can be sent directly to the T&A or contributions can be made via a special bank account.

For more information about Bradford District Toy Libraries Network, call (07732) 787107 or (07753) 246515.