A gooey toy invented by a Leicestershire schoolboy has proved a stocking-filling hit.
Putty Monsters – bug-eyed aliens which can be manipulated into different shapes – are the idea of Tom Spring, from Rothley.
Earlier this year, the 13-year-old beat 1,200 people in a competition run by online toy and gadget retailer Firebox to design a new toy for 2010.
And the judges' choice turned out to be right – Tom's creation was among Firebox's biggest Christmas sellers, despite getting little publicity compared to the other festive hits.
Claire Wood, of Firebox, said: "Putty Monsters have definitely been one of our top sellers and did especially well in the run-up to Christmas.
"We've sold more than 5,000 since the launch in July, which is amazing – especially as the idea came from one of our young customers."
Sale of Putty Monsters are on a par with two of Firebox's other crazes, wrist bands called Silly Bandz, which come in the shape of animals, and the Magic Wand universal remote control.
Claire said: "Putty Monsters' success is a huge credit to Tom.
"His toy had only a fraction of the publicity, with celebrities being photographed with Silly Bandz and the Magic Wand appearing on the Dragon's Den TV show.
"The beauty of Putty Monsters is their simplicity. It's a traditional idea but with a new twist and helps bring out children's creative side."
Interest in the toy has been fuelled by a Facebook page, where owners post and share pictures of their creations.
Tom, who attends Stonehill High School, in Birstall, said: "I only entered the competition to show them my idea. I didn't expect to win so it feels great to know there are so many other people out there who like it."
He stands to make a small fortune from his creation, receiving half of the profits on all sales.
Following its initial success, Firebox said it is looking at selling Putty Monsters in shops next year as well as launching it in America and mainland Europe.
Tom, whose granddad, Les Cooke, is a former marketing director for county toy-maker Palitoy, said: "It's very exciting. I have plenty of other ideas too and would like to have a career as an inventor."
Tom's father, Gary, said: "Tom is incredibly focused for someone of his age. I think he's had his mind set on designing and inventing things since he was about seven.
"To see your son's idea made into reality and enjoyed by thousands of other people is fantastic.
"Tom may have to wait a while to make his first million but we're all extremely proud of him."
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