TODDLERS braved the wind to step out on their first sponsored walk.

Participants, aged from under two upwards, took part in walks staged by Bearpark Kindergarten, near Durham, in aid of the BBC's Children in Need appeal.

The kindergarten caters for children from birth upwards, and includes an after-school club for primary-age youngsters.

While the youngest children took a course round the village - two in pushchairs - and all sporting bright yellow visors, the older ones, who attend the after-school club, gave up the bus back from primary schools in Ushaw Moor, to walk to Bearpark.

Kindergarten deputy manager Tracey Naisbitt said all the children got into the spirit of the event. In all, 45 youngsters took part in the walks, and the amount they raised is expected to surpass £1,000.

"Just from the money we've raised so far, we've passed £800, and we have to add in money from scratchcard sales and a non-uniform day, when the children paid for the privilege of coming in fancy dress.

"I think they really enjoyed the walks. It was windy, but they each got a certificate and a prize which made it all worth while. For many of them, it was the first time they have done a sponsored walk."