NEWS that Hamleys is to open a toy shop in York will trigger nightmarish flashbacks among those who have visited its London store in the run-up to Christmas.

For children it is a magical experience. Seven floors of laser-firing robots, crying dolls, train sets, drum kits, racing cars, computer games, pirate swords, glitter and itching powder. All demonstrated with manic glee by the assistants.

Somehow, that same combination is less magical for parents, who can emerge somewhat shell-shocked. Perhaps McArthurGlen could provide a darkened room to help them recover from post-Hamleys syndrome.

Updated: 09:18 Tuesday, October 18, 2005