Children aged three to 12 and their cuddly companions are invited to join the CHICKS (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids) 'Big Bear Challenge' to raise sponsorship and tackle the course, which includes a perilous plank crossing and zany teddy zip wire. The Big Bear Challenge is a one off special event being supported by Ginsters and Endurance Life.

CHICKS patron Kate Winslet said: 'Please take part in the Big Bear Challenge to show your support for this wonderful charity with which I have been personally involved for many years.'

This year CHICKS aims to provide 1,200 free respite breaks to underprivileged children, who come from all over the UK to stay at one of their two retreats at Brentor and Par in Cornwall. The Big Bear Challenge will take place on Wednesday, May 18 at Flete Estate near Holbeton in South Devon between 4pm-7pm. Entry is £3 per child and children are asked to raise sponsorship for their bears to take part.

To download a registration and sponsorship form visit http://www.chicks.org.uk">www.chicks.org.uk email [email protected]">[email protected] or call Elle on 01822 811125.