Supply of Furbies has a gremlin in the works...

Furbies, the £29.99 combination of Tamagotchi and Gremlins, which have taken over where the Telly Tubbies of last year left off, are in extremely short supply.

And all the signs point to disappointment for hundreds of children and further frustration for parents as stocks in High Street shops fail to keep up with a multi-million pound marketing campaign.

Furbies perform tricks, play games and talk in their own language.

They respond to light, different sounds and movement and will teach songs and even pass on coughs and colds to other nearby Furby friends.

But they are non-existent in Colchester although optimistic shop owners are hoping to get some in the next few weeks.

The toy department at Williams and Griffin ordered 48 Furbies but received just 12 last week - and they all went the first day they were on sale.

Assistant manager Kelly Broderick said: "I do not think we will have any more before Christmas."

Michelle Thomson, manageress of Toymaster Kingdom, said her company had some Furbies at its head office which were to be given away as prizes in competitions run by radio stations and newspapers.

"It will be first come first served but they are not going to last long."

Tracey Brooks, toy department buyer at Colchester Co-op, is hopeful that at least part of her order placed during the summer will arrive in time for the Christmas market."

Swag Shops owner Andrew Ray says he is ever-optimistic.

"I would have them if I could and it is possible we might get some in.

"It is like last year when I was promised 20,000 Telly Tubbies and actually received 300."

"I am hopeful they will arrive at the end of October although I do not think I will get them all and it will be first-come first-served.

"I know they are going to be in short supply - it is the Telly Tubbies of last year all over again," she said.

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