Study looks at benefits of imaginary friends: Researchers are investigating whether having an imaginary friend might help children to develop language skills, boost creativity and retain knowledge.

Ms Roby said that imaginary friends "come in all shapes and sizes, some live in castles, some in the forest ... they become consistent characters, and mum will know what their names are".
Ms Roby did not have an invisible friend when she was growing up, but her brother did. She conceded that imaginary friends might not be assets for a child in a confrontation with a bully.