CLASSIC board games enjoyed a massive revival over the Christmas holiday as the borough’s toy shops reported they were flying off the shelves.

Old favourites such as Monopoly have come back this winter as the family’s game of choice, and a toy shop chain says they are bestsellers.

Mike Coogan, spokesman for Toys ‘R’ Us, which has a branch in Horns Road, Newbury Park, said: “Classic, traditional board games are a phenomenon for 2010.

“This season we have seen people of all ages buying board games. They really do have mass appeal.”

He said the chain’s best-selling games for this year included wooden chess and Scrabble, which has sold 150 million sets since its launch 63 years ago.

Independent toy shop Toyology in High Street, Barkingside, has also enjoyed an upturn on board games sales and co-manager Gary Diamond said: “Classic board games with a twist are proving incredibly popular.

“It just shows that families would rather sit around a board game than watch television.”

He revealed the biggest seller in his Barkingside shop was The Gruffalo Giant Snakes and Ladders, based on the children’s book character.

“Parents seem to be wanting something more educational for their children,” he added.