CHILDREN could be experiencing a blast from the past when they open their Christmas stockings this year.

For industry experts are predicting a revival of top '80s toys on festive wish lists.

Former favourites, including Transformers, (1985/6) He-Man (early 80s), My Little Pony (1983) and Care Bears (1984), are all expected to make a Christmas come-back.

Toy retailers Mercer's, in Northgate, Blackburn, also predict that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, named Toy of the Year in 1990, will be their number one bestseller for boys this year, while the British Association of Toy Retailers (BATR) have also placed the "heroes in a half-shell" in their top ten list for this year.

Transformers, which first appeared on the toy scene in the mid-1980s, are number three on Mercer's list for top boys' toys.

Steve Bax, 29, who runs a website for fans of Transformers, said: "Transformers have got a thriving on-line fan base and new cartoons and comics to attract the younger generation.

"They are very fun toy and are a challenge to work out, almost like a puzzle."

Old favourite Lego, which has been a popular toy box filler since the 1970s, also comes in fourth place while for the girls Barbie, who has been going strong for 45 years, continues to be a favourite.

Rose Fowler of Mercer's, believes that the popularity of electronic games and toys has reduced over the last few years, with a greater push on action figures for the boys, and dolls for the girls.

She said: "They will not be exactly the same toys as were available in the shops fifteen years ago.

"Children expect a lot more from their toys in the 21st century, so our old classics have been revamped for the younger generation.

"That is why both Turtles and Transformers are now available with hi-tech accessories that are selling as quickly as the figures.

"We are also going through a lot of He-Man toys very quickly, which is a surprise, even though the TV series has been relaunched."

It is not all about reviving the past though.

Newcomers to the toy list this year include Brats dolls for girls, which are tipped to be the biggest seller locally while at the cheaper end of the market are Polly Pockets.

Rose added: "We are already taking orders for Christmas, but we know that the half term at the end of October will bring a bombardment of television advertising aimed at children."

Val Stedham, chairman at BATR said: "Like fashion, the popularity of toys goes in cycles."

"Brands are important but the success of a toy relies on its 'playability'. So it's not surprising that those which thrilled children twenty years ago can still appeal to kids today."