The teddies turned out in their hundreds to picnic on Walmer Green, on Saturday.

The event, which marked the beginning of Deal Regatta Week was blessed with perfect weather and a huge turnout.

Parents and grandparents assisted their children to the numerous tents which were giving out free gifts including drinks, sweets, bubbles and a fairground ride, courtesy of sponsors Chapmans, Walmer Parish and Henry Forrest.

Chairman of Deal, Walmer and Kingsdown Regatta Association John Trickey said: “It was a fantastic opening.

“I got here at eight o’clock, as did most of the volunteers who built the gazebos and the stages and we got all the freebies coming in.

“The freebies are sponsored by Chapmans, Walmer Parish or Henry Forrest. Henry Forrest is our major sponsor, he sponsors the junior fireworks.

“A massive thank you to them. To be honest without them and the volunteers it wouldn’t go ahead.”

Mr Trickey added: “Above all else a thank you to Invicta Sounds’ Gareth, who gives all of his time for free.

“There is an awful lot of generous people in Deal who give their time.”

The fun continued into the evening with DJ Gareth Hopkins’ Party on the Green from 7pm, followed by a firework display at 9.30pm.

Winners of the teddy bear court selection will be announced in next week’s East Kent Mercury, out on Thursday.