Colourful Danish-made plastic interlocking Lego bricks, popular with children throughout the world, have been declared the "toy of the century" by Forbes Magazine in a survey of influential products of the era.

"The Lego brick has been selected by Forbes Magazine as product of the century within the play category, citing its educational value, universal appeal and enduring popularity," Lego said in a statement issued yesterday. The Lego building block was one of the few commercial brands chosen by the magazine as changing people's lives in the 20th century.

Other key products listed in the Forbes survey included the paperback book, the paper clip and the vacuum cleaner.

Lego bricks were founded 60 years ago.

The non-stock exchange-listed Danish toymaker has extended its product range to include computer games, clothes and accessories as well as operating theme parks in Denmark, Britain and the United States.