THE recent West Devon-based charity CHICKS teddy bears' picnic and summer fayre proved a huge success, with hundreds of local children coming along to meet the four life-sized bears who attended the event.

CHICKS community fundraising manager, Jo Westerman, said the weather was glorious all day and the children had a lovely time meeting the bears, who even did a conga dance which the children loved!

'Another highlight was the Goldilocks and the Three Bears Puppet show which was a huge hit with the children.'

The four life-sized bears were 'Mas', CHICKS own mascot bear, Crealy bear, Build a Bear Workshop's 'Beremy bear' and the fireservice's 'Blaze bear'. All four bears are now taking a rest in preparation for the CHICKS Big Bear Walk which takes place on Sunday, October 17 in Plymouth's Central Park. The event, set to attract hundreds of children, will again be a huge teddy bear affair. People can register for the event from the CHICKS website http://www.chicks.org.uk">www.chicks.org.uk

Each year CHICKS aim 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 in Devon and Cornwall. The children CHICKS care for come from a variety of backgrounds. Many have been abused, live in poverty, or have been neglected. Others live in care or are themselves young carers. For further information about the CHICKS Big Bear Walk please contact CHICKS Community Fundraising Manager, Jo Westerman, on 01822 811125 or [email protected]">[email protected]