A device used to help Maori women with weaving is fast becoming the latest craze in toys after a firm picked up on the idea.

The Poi Poi craze is becoming a hit in playgrounds as children learn to twirl the strings fixed to a ball in a figure of eight.

Brighton-based UK Poi Company came up with the idea of selling the gadgets as toys after they were discovered during a holiday abroad.

Poi Poi have been used for centuries by the native New Zealanders to keep their hands supple.

Maori warriors have also used them to increase their strength and co-ordination in battle.

However, youngsters have taken up the art as a hobby, sparking a demand across Sussex and the UK.

Children may not know much about the origins of the Maori's tradition of Poi Poi but they are nevertheless having a great deal of fun learning to twirl them round their hands.

The challenge of becoming the Poi Poi ace of the playground is reminiscent of the yo-yo craze of the Seventies when youngsters would hold tournaments to show off their prowess.

The UK Poi Company is sending out its Poi Poi toys as fast as they are made.

Managers are also hoping their gadgets could make an appearance in TV's Big Brother house to give contestants a challenge.

Company boss Phil Hoffman said: "I was introduced to them a few years ago by an ex-girlfriend who brought a set back from Portugal.

"Poi means ball in Maori and the women did a dance called the Poi with them.

"The Poi Poi are like tennis balls on the end of strings with a tail attached and are twirled around in a figure of eight.

"But there is a huge variety of movements.

"I have been pressing to get them on Big Brother for several weeks.

"The contestants might not master them but they would certainly have a lot of fun."

Poi Poi can be used professionally by circus performers and experts can set fire to some models to create dazzling displays.

However, Phil said anybody young or old could get to grips with Poi Poi.

They could even be used by executives to help reduce stress or build up fitness.

He said: "I think it has the potential to be something massive and we are planting the seeds now.

"The business kicked off a year ago and we have knocked out 4,000 or 5,000 Poi Poi.

"We are selling them wholesale around the country to kite shops.

"We have one main design and a few more prototypes and versions in production.

"The craze certainly has to be one of the healthiest around and, at the very least, allows you to exercise the left and right sides of the brain and remain sane."