Lego hit record sales last year, but still couldn't steal the top toy maker crown from Mattel.

Sales of the plastic bricks grew six per cent to £4.42billion, a slowdown on the 25 per cent increase of the previous year, as reported by the BBC.

Lego launched 335 new sets worldwide last year and sold more than 75 billion parts and 3,700 shapes. The company also opened its flagship London store in Leicester Square just before Christmas.

The Star Wars Millennium Falcon, retailing at around £100, continues to be the company's biggest seller.

US toy maker Mattel, which owns global brands Barbie, Hot Wheels and My Little Pony, recorded sales of £4.48bn, despite a decline in sales of four per cent. Hasbro, which makes Nerf guns, My Little Pony and a big selection of board games, was the third biggest toy maker in the world last year.

Here at Punchline we say you can keep your Barbie dolls, we're sticking with Lego. It has real staying power and can be passed on to children and grandchildren.

What do you think? Email mark@moosemarketingandpr.co.uk