STUDENTS at Greater Brighton Metropolitan College (the MET) will see their work displayed in public at a new exhibition at the Brighton Toy and Model Museum.

As part of their 3D design project, the students visited the museum where they were inspired to create and design toys that are far less mass produced.

The deputy museum manager Jan Etches introduced them to the construction and mechanisms of toys from years gone by.

The pupils noted there were a lack of plastic in the older toys. The young designers wanted to make toys that embrace traditional and sustainable skills, such as sewing, alongside contemporary innovations, such as laser cutting.

MET lecturer Steven Follen said the 3D design project aims to give students practical work experience to prepare them for the industry.

He said: “We wanted to give the students the experience of working for a real client with strict deadlines and an evolving brief.

“They had to work in teams and communicate with one another which is a key skill in any design process.

“We gave them a short amount of time to complete their design, which really challenged them.”

The students’ designs will appear alongside the museum’s vast collection of antique toys and models, which are highly regarded in the world.

Boasting a treasure trove of more than 10,000 exhibits, the museum celebrated last week when it became Brighton Railway Station’s first Community Rail Partnership.

Ms Etches said: “We are delighted to have this partnership. It is an exciting new chapter in the history of the museum and the railway station.”

The museum’s collections include collections from the golden era of toy making and a rare vintage model train collection.

The exhibition, called The Toy Project, will be open to the public from Tuesday April 17.

A private viewing will be held on Monday April 16 at 3pm.

Contact the museum on 01273 749494 to register your attendance.