All present and correct

From the archive, first published Monday 5th Mar 2007.

Two mums who have known each other since the age of five have banded together to start a business that takes the stress out of present buying.

Lisa Dyson, of Cononley, and Amanda Mettrick, of Harden, both aged 33, have set up The Present Planners and together aim to change the way people buy toys, games and puzzles.

In less than a year they have developed the business and can now host Present Planner parties, can offer advice by phone or can come along as part of a school or corporate event.

With two young children each of their own they are no strangers to the world of toys and are keen to encourage families to buy more educational toys and spend time playing together.

Around 90 per cent of the toys have been tested by their children so they know exactly how they work and at every party they allow parents to get involved and play before they buy.

Lisa got the idea for the business in January last year and straight away told her friend of 30 years, Amanda, the plans she had cooked up in her mind. They started hunting around for different toys and have currently got nine regular suppliers.

Amanda, a former child minder, said: "I think we are unique in the fact that we can show people how the toys work and what sort of child would like which toy.

"We have played with things ourselves, so we know what enjoyment other people might get."