AN entrepreneurial teacher has launched a new range of rag dolls that will allow young girls to create miniature versions of themselves.

Kirsty Allan's Mini Me soft toys are designed to allow children to choose a doll that looks like them and to dress them in clothes to match.

Aimed at girls aged three to eight, the dolls come in a range of hair and skin colours.

Ms Allan had the idea for the dolls after seeing the phenomenal success of the American Girl range of plastic dolls in the USA. The American Girl range features more than 100 figures.

A primary teacher by training, Ms Allan designed the dolls based on feedback from mums and with the help of her two young daughters.

"My little girls have been heavily involved, offering their very honest opinions at every stage," she said. "I now feel we have come up with something great for the younger girls to enjoy."

Ms Allan, 33, has launched a range of four dolls to test the market. Prices start at £34.95 for a doll, mini tutu, rucksack and personalised certificate.

She has been delighted by the response so far.

"I have had a good few orders already and lots of interest too," said Ms Allan.

She plans to use the feedback from the launch to develop an extended range of dolls with a view to moving into mass production next year. She expects the extended range to be manufactured in Asia.