A mechanical toy based on a famous bun-throwing tradition is being planned.

The idea is that the mechanism - costing about £2,000 - would be used in Abingdon's museum to raise money. Each donation would activate the model which comprises four characters - a lion and unicorn and two swans. The miniature "bun" would be passed between the four characters.

A designer has been commissioned for the free-standing mechanism.

At tonight's first annual meeting of Abingdon Museum Friends, members' views on the idea will be sought.

The museum is expected to contribute towards the cost and a bid for support from the Lottery is also being considered.

Tonight's meeting at 7.30pm takes place in Old Abbey House. Later Martin Brown from the Oxfordshire Museum Service will give a talk about the history of museums.

The tradition of bun throwing - when town councillors throw buns from the top of the old County Hall to the crowd below - usually commemorates a special Royal event.