PUT teddy bears to the test at a children's charity Big Bear Challenge this month.

CHICKS — Country Holidays for Inner City Kids — is organising an afternoon of teddy bear challenges for children and families to raise money for the charity which provides respite breaks for underprivileged children in the UK.

Children can put their teddies through their paces while tackling a fun obstacle course, finishing on a high with the teddies taking to the air on a zip wire. Each bear will receive a certificate of bravery.

CHICKS patron Kate Winslet, who has endorsed the Big Bear Challenge, said: 'The Big Bear Challenge is aimed at families, children and their teddy bears.

'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.'

CHICKS big bear mascot 'Mas' will be joined by the Crealy bear for the afternoon to encourage children taking on the challenge.

There will be other teddy bear themed activities and games to take part in and a beautiful setting to bring along a teddy bear picnic.

Jo Smith-Scott, CHICKS community and events fundraiser, said: 'We are really pleased to be organising this fun event for families, it will be a great afternoon and will allow us to raise vital funds as well as spread the message about CHICKS.'

The Big Bear Challenge will take place on Wednesday May 18, from 4pm to 7pm, at the Flete Estate near Holbeton and is suitable for children aged 3 to 12. The event will cost £3 to enter and children are asked to raise sponsorship money for their brave bears.

To find out more about the Big Bear Challenge or to download a registration and sponsorship form visit http://www.chicks.org.uk">www.chicks.org.uk or email [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01822 811125.