Teddy bears have been out enjoying themselves in the autumn sun.

Bears of all shapes and sizes headed for Queen Mary's School at Baldersby Park, near Thirsk, when their young owners took part in a picnic.

Youngsters brought along their cuddly pals to join in lessons.

Mary Jane Foster, head of early years, said: "We have been reading Jez Alborough's book Where's My Teddy? and the children have been so enthusiastic that we decided it would be fun for them to bring their bears to school for a picnic.

"We do have a school teddy, Bertie Baldersby, which the children take home in turn to 'look after' as part of learning about the importance of caring for others."

Queen Mary's, which takes pupils aged three to 16, was recently praised in a report by the director of education for North Yorkshire County Council. It was placed in the top category and described as 'highly effective' for its work with early years pupils.