Step aside games consoles, the action hero toy has returned with the HM Armed Forces collection, based on active servicemen and women. The range of toys promises to fill the void in the action figure market left by Action Man and friends.

Representing the Army , Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, The HM Armed Forces toys will delight boys and girls, and their mums and dads too, with their authentic features; inspiring imaginary play while learning the roles of these brave men and women serving our country.

Central to the collection is the range of 10-inch articulated action figures, which includes three servicemen from each Force. The Army is represented with an infantryman, a mortarman and fully-armoured infantryman.

All are scaled versions of the real thing, right down to their clothes and the equipment they carry. For example, the Royal Marine Commando is dressed in temperate camouflage and comes with a 5.56mm assault rifle with grenade launcher, canoe and paddle, while the RAF Falcon Parachutist comes complete with an awesome throw and deploy parachute, and is specially constructed to withstand the impact of a heavy landing.

Soldiers, sailors and airmen would not be complete without their awesome vehicles and children won't be disappointed with the first to be released. The Fast Jet Pilot can take his seat in the Vector Thrust Fast Jet with its retractable landing gear and firing missiles, while two Army Officers can fit comfortably into the Tactical Battle Tank with its rotating turret, rugged rubber tracks and firing missile.

Portraying the correct ethos of this new brand and its constituent services, is vital. Leading Child Psychologist Dr Amanda Gummer is working closely with the team to ensure that important themes such as a child's sense of team-work, belonging and identity are considered in the development of the range, whilst modern messages of anti bullying, boundaries and discipline can also be seen to be reflected in play with the range, not to mention the physical fitness aspect.

Commenting on the new collection an MoD spokesperson said: "We are proud to be celebrating our Armed Forces through these new action figures, which showcase the men and women who work so hard to ensure our protection.

"Many adults will have had hours of fun playing with similar toys when they were growing up and it is wonderful that today's children will have the same opportunity to enjoy themselves."

In honour of past heroes, the HM Armed Forces toys will be launched on VE Day - Friday, 8 May - and will be available in all good toy shops and superstores.

Visit the dedicated HM Armed Forces website (link in right-hand panel) to find out more.