Hundreds of tots brandishing their favourite teddies filled Christchurch Park to help raise around £2,000 for the children’s charity Unicef.

The Teddy Bear’s Picnic took place on Friday to mark International Childrens’ Day. Youngsters and their parents basked in the sunshine enjoying a host of fun activities.

Organiser and mum-of-three Onitha Jarrold said she and her friend Wendy Hodgson came up with the idea, with an aim to raise the profile of the charity. She said: “We were overwhelmed, we’ve estimated there were around 600 people there. Everyone was so willing to donate and really seemed to have fun, there was a lovely atmosphere.” She said they hope it be annual event.