A TEDDY bears’ picnic has been held to mark the end of a summer programme of events.

The event for youngsters and their favourite toys was held at Wheatley Hill Community Association at The Greenhills Centre on Stephens Terrace in Wheatley Hill, near Peterlee.

It rounds of six weeks of summer fun over the school holidays for young people in the area.

A range of sports, football coaching, dance, arts and youth drop-in sessions were offered, as well as specialised themed topics to help young people stay safe, such as road safety, bikeability and water safety.

The free activities were organised to reduce anti-social behaviour in the area and keep young people in the area active.

They were funded with £9,000 awarded by Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg and County Durham Community Foundation's Community Safety Fund.

Mr Hogg, who was at the picnic on Friday, said: “I am very pleased to have revisited the project at the end of the summer holidays to see how it has progressed.

“I delighted that over 1,000 people have used the activities on offer and young people have engaged with them.

“It has kept them busy over the holiday period. Well done to all involved.”