The boom in Beanie Baby collecting has opened up a whole new world for antiques dealer, Paul Johnson. Prompted by a colleague to investigate the US-born phenomena, Paul, 52, turned to the Internet for help. His first search produced a staggering 286,000 entries for Beanie Baby web sites. It was enough to convince him this was no passing fad and a year ago he set up his own on-line business, Grannie Annie's Beanie Babies.

His expertise covers dates of 'launch and retirement' in the vast Beanie Baby collection and sourcing sought-after bears.The majority of his business is now UK-based although he deals with customers all over the world. Over the past six months Paul has become expert at using on-line Beanie auction sites and at any one time has several dozen up for sale.

He can be contacted at grannie.annie@virgin.net or on 01695 733482 and 0467 324807(mobile) www.mersinet.co.uk/grannie-annie