Britain's lofts are filled with more than one billion treasured toys, and there are many that could be worth hundreds of pounds according to new research.

A study of 2,000 adults from the early years childcare provider Busy Bees revealed they each have an average of 20 toys and playthings stashed away.

Popular items that are stored away include Fisher Price telephones, Slinkys and Rubik’s Cubes.

Additionally, more than one in four (28 per cent) think they could be sitting on a goldmine with their toys, estimating that their collection could be worth an average of £300.

Wharfedale Observer: Rubik's Cubes were among the toys that had been commonly stored awayRubik's Cubes were among the toys that had been commonly stored away (Image: Canva)

When asked 13 per cent said they had kept their toys in mint condition, whilst 43 per cent said they were in a good state.

Marg Randles, co-founder of Busy Bees said: “It is heart-warming to learn that so many people have saved their precious childhood toys in order to pass them down through the generations.

“It really is a reminder that whilst toys may have changed over the years, the pleasure they provide and the important role they play in a child’s development remains the same"

Top 40 toys that have been stored away in the UK

1.     Barbie

2.     LEGO

3.     Hot Wheels

4.     G.I. Joe

5.     Suzy Homemaker

6.     Fisher Price telephone

7.     Lite-Brite

8.     Slinky

9.     Rubik’s Cube

10.   Nerf Ball

11.   Fisher Price record player

12.   Sylvanian Family

13.   My Little Pony

14.   Etch A Sketch

15.   Fisher Price Little People

16.   Game Boy

17.   Weebles

18.   He-Man action figure

19.   Beanie Babies

20.   SEGA

21.   Troll Doll

22.   Mr. Potato Head

23.   Barbie’s Dream House

24.   Care Bear

25.   Tonka Truck

26.   Star Wars action figures

27.   Transformers

28.   Playmobil

29.   Simon

30.   Chatter Telephone

31.   Polly Pocket

32.   Cabbage Patch Kids

33.   Chatty Cathy

34.   Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures

35.   Easy-Bake Oven

36.   Flatsy Doll

37.   Teddy Ruxpin

38.   Speak & Spell

39.   See ‘n Say

40.   Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine

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