In case it’s escaped your notice, there’s a rather large competition coming up that’s generating a lot of heat in this neck of the woods.
And there was nowhere hotter on the Queen’s official birthday than the party room at Hamley’s, where Hornby toymakers threw an Olympics tea party to celebrate their London 2012 range.
Seriously, we had to remove every layer on arrival but luckily the Hornby team plied us with tea, juice and pastries while the kids played with the Team GB Scalextric Velodrome. 
Jed was so hooked on this cycling racing set that he almost skipped our ‘backstage’ tour of the world’s most famous toy store.
But he didn’t miss a chance to cosy up to Olympic mascot Wenlock, cunningly disguised as an escapee from Trooping the Colour.
Since last year’s visit to Hamley’s, the Babes are big fans of Hornby’s 2012 range of Olympic and Paralympic toys and accessories, including branded British classics from Concorde to Mini to Routemaster.
My lads are still happy to race their pink taxis all about town. I like the mini Olympic torch although it doesn’t actually light your fire.
Some lucky raffle winner made off with the Scalextric Velodrome set but we were all grins as we left with Hornby’s goodies in our bags.
Before leaving Hamley’s, we had to pop up to the 5th floor to scope out the Lego Royal Family. The likeness is staggering.
Madame Tussauds, eat your heart out.
Check out Hornby Olympics and Paralympics Games 2012 collection online at www.shop.london2012.com
