A FANCY dress teddy bears picnic was hosted at Barling Magna Wildlife Reserve.

Children took part in a variety of games and educational activities, including a bear hunt and the opportunity to interact with exotic reptiles and spiders.

More than 50 children from the local area took part in the free event.

Ivy Knight, chairman of Barling Magna Parish Council and team leader for the Wildlife Reserve, said: “The kids were ecstatic, and it’s so good to get them away from their Xbox.”