Scouting for Toys takes a nostalgic look back at the nation’s favourite childhood toys

Scouting for Toys, the show that goes behind the scenes at the World’s largest toy auctioneers – starts 9pm Thursday 31st March on Yesterday channel.

The fascinating new documentary series, narrated by Middlesbrough's own Kirsten O’Brien, takes viewers back to their childhood as it follows internationally renowned Vectis Toys Auctioneers in Teesside, where buyers and sellers from all over the world come to trade every toy imaginable, from Star Wars figures to vintage dolls.

Every week, a colourful and eclectic range of artefacts passes through the Teesside based toy auctioneers. No two days are the same - some toys will smash the guide price while others may fail to meet their reserve.

The series discovers how Vectis’ team of experts value and catalogue a range of toys ahead of their weekly auctions. Along the way, the show meets passionate people selling the treasured collections they've amassed over their lives.

In the first episode, to air on Yesterday at 9pm on Thursday 31st March, the team prepare for a major sale of TV & film memorabilia, with pride of place given to a vast Star Wars collection, amassed over many years by film fanatic Declan. Diagnosed with MS at 27, Declan was an avid collector, but sadly passed away earlier in the year. His brother, Kieran, brought the entire collection, hoping the items will bring joy to a new generation – but it’s an emotional goodbye to a much-loved collection. Vectis’ Star Wars toys specialist, Nick Dyke, evaluates the collection and shares his knowledge on which items are particularly sought after.

Scouting for Toys starts on Yesterday channel at 9pm on Thursday 31st March. All episodes will be available for catch-up on UKTV Play.

The UKTV Original series is produced by BBC Studios' Documentary Unit and filmed at Vectis.

Stay tuned to our brand new website, where we'll bring you episode previews, show you behind the scenes and see and hear more from our specialist cataloguers and avid collectors.