CHILDREN at a Darlington nursery were sure of a big surprise yesterday as staff held a teddy bears' picnic.

The fun event was held at the Guerney Pease School foundation unit, which is temporarily based at the former Albert Hill Nursery.

A new building for the unit is being built at the Guerney Pease Primary School site, in Dodsworth Street in the town.

The picnic was held for 26 nursery and reception class children, aged from three to five, to mark half-term.

The picnic also coincided with lessons that had been held during the week that looked at food.

Reception class teacher Tracey Crutchley said: "We had been talking to the children about food during the week, so the picnic seemed like a good way to finish the term.

"They had bear-shaped crisps and they made their own sandwiches.

"The children brought teddy bears along and we organised a bear hunt for them."

She added: "All the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was a great day."