My son received the Lift Off Space Rocket from Early Learning Centre as a gift from his grandparents last Christmas. It is currently available at £35, though during December last year Early Learning Centre offered this toy with a 20% reduction and a free accessory set.

The suggested age range for this toy is between 18 months and 4 years and it really is accessible to younger and older children alike.

The Lift off Space Rocket consists of a large red rocket which stands upright. The rocket has three compartments. The flip up hatch at the top reveals two compartments for the space travellers to lie down. The door at the centre reveals a pull down bed with plenty of detail including a small kitchen. The bottom hatch opens to create a ramp for the space buggy to roll down.

When the rocket is in the upright position a button on the large handle at the side sounds a lift off statement and count down. When the rocket is tipped to the side and the button is pressed it makes a rocket sound and a slightly different sound with bleeps if held down. While these sounds are emitted the base of the legs light up red.

All of the doors and hatches on this rocket are on special spring hinges. This means that they are easily detached and will sometimes even fall off if thrown to the floor, however it does prevent the hinges from snapping through rough play. It can be rather tedious fitting the doors back on however I would rather do this than have a toy which breaks easily.

Included in this set are two space men, a space dog, a moon buggy and an alien which sits in a crater.

The Early Learning Centre describe this toy as a "Funky retro rocket" and it certain is a very retro toy. It is a very typical boys' toy which I love, though I'm sure it would be enjoyed by many girls too.

My son adores his rocket and accessories. He is able to press the button and activate the sounds with ease. He also enjoys posting the characters into the hatches and removing the doors. He has not yet tired of this toy and I believe he will have plenty more use from it as the years pass.

This is an excellent toy. It is imaginatively designed, full of intriguing features and is strong and sturdy. It certainly gets a thumbs up from my son and I.