A charity will bring what was formerly one of Britain’s largest toy factories back to life in a new project for disabled youngsters.

The Limes Community and Children’s Centre in Walthamstow has been awarded £48,500 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to launch its Fun Factory scheme.

The project will allow young people with learning disabilities to discover the history behind toymaker Wells Brimtoy, which was based in Walthamstow for more than 40 years.

Brimtoy, famed for its tinplate toys, opened a factory in Somers Road in 1924, before moving production to Stirling Road in 1932, where the company stayed until 1965.

Youngsters will visit Vestry House Museum to get up close to some of the factory’s historic toys, use the Blackhorse Workshop to create designs.

They will also meet with pensioners through Age UK and record their memories as part of a film on the project.

Stuart Hobley, Head of HLF London, said: “We all remember those must-have toys of childhood, but did you ever think about who made the toys?

“Walthamstow was once home to one of the UK’s largest toy firms and the industry employed thousands of local people.

“This project will engage young people with the area’s significant toy-making heritage through a range of immersive activities and preserve these important memories for future generations.”

The Limes works with disabled and non-disabled youngsters in Waltham Forest to provide safe place for children to play and learn new skills at its centre in Somers Road.