It's ten years ago this week since we reported on an old favourite being the best selling toy for Christmas in one shop.

Christmas wish lists once dominated by train sets, dolls and water pistols have taken on an increasingly hi-tech look over the last 30 years.

But, according to one Barkingside toy shop owner, an old favourite is still outselling its more modern counterparts.

Gary Diamond, 57, who runs Toyology in High Street says Lego has been his number one seller this Christmas.

He said: “It’s hard to find a toy that gets children’s imagination going as much as Lego.

“A lot of it is branded now with characters like Harry Potter and Star Wars, but it’s still about building when it comes down to it and it’s been our top toy again this year.”

Mr Diamond has had a shop in Barkingside since 2010, but he’s been in the toy industry for 20 years.

His store Toyology is one of the few independent toy shops in the area.

He said: “I can’t think of any toy shops in Wanstead and Woodford and I know we are the only one in Barkingside.

“Computer games obviously affect the amount of toys we sell, and people are shopping online for toys.

“But sales have been fairly consistent in the run up to Christmas.

“In a lot of respects advances in technology have been good for the toy industry because gadgets that would have been very expensive a few years ago are now more affordable.

“We’re also selling a lot more pre-school and educational toys these days.”

As someone who has spent so much of his life working with toys you would perhaps expect Mr Diamond to be sentimental about them.

But, he said: “My favourite toy is the one that sells the most.

“To be honest, I’m a bit too long in the tooth to remember what my favourites were as a boy. They definitely weren’t as exciting as some of the ones we sell today."

Top Five selling toys at Toyology:

1. Lego (Traditional favourite)

2. Lego Friends (Lego branded for girls)

3. Leappad 2 (Children’s version of the iPad)

4. Top Model (Girl’s craft set)

5. Furby (Robotic cuddly creatures that look like a cross between an owl and a hamster)