IF YOU went down to Wharton recently, you would have had a big surprise.

More than 100 young children and families brought their favourite cuddly friends along to enjoy a Teddy Bears’ Picnic held on the fields of Willow Wood Community Primary School.

The free event was organised by volunteers with support from Weaver Vale Housing Trust.

Families were treated to a picnic lunch and enjoyed a variety of entertainment, including a puppet show, bouncy castle, soft play, competitions, and painting. The event was also supported by Brio Leisure, Asda Winsford and SureStart.

Georgia Winstanley, customer engagement officer at Weaver Vale Housing Trust, said: “It was great to see such a good response from local people.

“Everyone had a good time and this was a great opportunity for families to bring their kids out and spend some quality time together. I would also like to thank all the volunteers and partners who came together to make this happen.

“It’s part of our summer program, where we are able to provide some fun, free events for families throughout the school holidays.”

The successful Teddy Bears’ Picnic is being followed by ‘Family, Food and Fun’ – a pilot-scheme which aims to offer families in Wharton the opportunity to enjoy free meals and activities during the summer holidays.

As well as settling down to a healthy meal, families will be able to take part in a variety of activities which are being provided by Cheshire Fire Service, Mersey Forest, Sure Start, DW13 Fitness, Cheshire Police and community volunteers.

To find out more information about the programme, email georgia.winstanley@wvht.co.uk

More 'Family, Food and Fun' dates are scheduled at Willow Wood on Tuesday, August 21, Thursday, August 23, Tuesday, August 28 and Thursday, 30, between 11am and 2pm each day.