"Following a year of intensive R&D and licensing acquisitions, we succeeded in launching no fewer than seven rides at January's ATEI," he explained. "The response from customers was awesome and some of the finished production models are now out in the field, providing very favourable results."

Postman Pat is a perennial favourite amongst pre-school children and Amutec's Postman Pat Gyrocopter takes its lead from a new animated series in which Pat and his faithful cat Jess take to their rounds and experience new adventures in a range of new means of transportation. Available in two sizes, there's an infant rocker model to suit children between 18 months to 4 years and a junior version aimed at three to five-year-olds. The latter can be specified choosing from three types of motion mechanism - either with lift, rock or twist and slide. All models feature joystick controls to generate authentic voice and helicopter sounds.

Finley the Fire Engine, another children's television favourite, incorporates the same slide/twist mechanism as one of the junior Pat options. Its sturdy roof provides a degree of weather protection, making it ideally suited for siting both indoors and outside, whilst an interactive screen game adds to the rider's enjoyment.

In addition to licensed rides, Amutec has also developed its own traditional 3 horse carousel, complete with classic fairground music - an ideal addition of nostalgia to any seaside amusement mix.

Chris Bell added: "Our selection of products continues to expand with new licensed and non-licensed rides adding to our existing lines of popular Disney rides. We also carry a range of general amusements pieces targeting juvenile players with novelty/redemption, photo-booths and video games. Furthermore, our expert team of engineers offer finest quality refurbishment services, meaning that we always have a good choice of pre-used rides in stock."