A blast from the past helped 23-year-old Andreas Toh become one of 17 Straits Times readers to beat the crowd yesterday to the new limited-edition SG50 Hello Kitty dolls launched by McDonald's.

The locally themed dolls are to be released later this month, but ST readers got the chance to win an early set by submitting a photo of themselves or loved ones having a memorable moment at McDonald's.

Mr Toh submitted a nostalgic photo of himself at age four, posing with Ronald McDonald in the outlet at King Albert Park, which has since closed down.

The Nanyang Technological University student said he and his younger brother used to visit McDonald's to get the Happy Meal toys, such as Power Rangers figurines. He entered the contest at his mother's behest, as she enjoys collecting Hello Kitty.

"She's very excited about my win," he said.

Online pre-orders for the Hello Kitty dolls will be open to the public tomorrow, and the toys will be sold in outlets from July 27.

About 450 people entered the contest, which ran from July 8 to 14. The set of six dolls, which is worth $80, includes the Trishaw Uncle, Durian Lover and Samsui Woman. The final doll is dressed as a McDonald's crew member.