In my daughters attempt to duplicate all the household items that mummy uses, she has all kinds in her bedroom that replicate items from the kitchen, etc. She loves to pretend play at being mummy, and complete with ironing board, airing tree and pegs, the washing machine is an essential item in her bedroom for washing dolly's clothes.

We have had this washing machine for years. Ever since my eldest daughter was a toddler and showed an unhealthy interest in my washing machine. Now, it is in my youngest daughters room and she still plays with it now at 4. She absolutely loves it and loves role playing with it.

Complete with a soap dispenser drawer, hinged see through door (made from plastic so no safety issues to worry about if it breaks), the beauty about this washing machine is that it actually turns on and works. Now obviously, it doesn't wash clothes or have water in (I did once catch my daughter attempting to pour water into the drawer!) but it makes washing machine sounds. Taking 3 AA batteries, it doesn't ever seem to run out despite endless amounts of use, so it doesn't drain the batteries.

Perfect for role play and enhancing a child's imaginative play, as they attempt to clean their teddies and dollies clothes. You can use this washing machine alongside other items from ELC, such as the airer and the ironing board and this will keep them occupied for hours. For much younger children, it also helps with fine motor skills as it helps children to press buttons and use the drawer to wash clothes just like mummy (or daddy - I don't want to stereotype!). The drum is very small, enough for only one or two teddy outfits but this isn't a problem for us.

The machine is well made and despite endless amounts of use over many years, it hasn't broken or come lose in any way. At one point we had two washing machines, this one and another cheaper one which broke after only a month or two's use, so this one is definitely well made from a trusted company, the Early Learning Centre.

When we bought it, I remember reading on the ELC website that lots of people had problems with the door falling off, and feeling rather flimsy, but we haven't ever had this problem, and I'm sure when an adult isn't in the room, my daughter has been less than gentle with it.

For £15, this is a great value and much loved toy that your child will get lots of use out of.