WOODBRIDGE: Scores of families turned out in force to enjoy the summer sunshine – accompanied by some very important guests.

Children were asked to bring their favourite furry friends along to Elmhurst Park in Woodbridge yesterday for a special teddy bears’ picnic.

The balmy temperatures ensured visitors turned out in their droves to enjoy some fun in the sun.

The day was organised by the Woodbridge and District Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) to mark National Family Week, which ends tomorrow.

Hundreds of youngsters brought their favourite cuddly toy along for a bite to eat and join in with a whole host of activities, including parachute games, arts and crafts and a treasure hunt.

They were joined for some of the day by Paddington Bear, who no doubt popped along with a few of his favourite marmalade sandwiches.

There was also face painting and fancy dress, along with build a bear workshops and giant inflatables.

Meanwhile, local skiffle band The Hasbeens provided the musical entertainment, playing free of charge and raising money for the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Treehouse Appeal.

PCSO Trudy Sharman said: “We have had picnic blankets everywhere, it has been brilliant.

“It has been a wonderful day. We couldn’t have asked for more really.

“The sun has been shining and I would think we’ve had around 800 people come and visit us.

“Its great to see so many happy, smiling faces, everyone seems to be having fun.

“We have had all ages come along from toddlers through to teenagers – even some grandparents. We just can’t believe how successful it has been.

“As a safer neighbourhood team we are extremely keen to engage with the local community and events like this help tremendously.”

PCSO Sharman said she would like to thank everyone who had helped to organise the event including Suffolk Coastal Community Partnership, Suffolk Children’s Centres and the welfare office at nearby Rock Barracks.

“It has been a real team effort,” she said. “We couldn’t have done it without the support and help of everyone involved.”

National Family Week is the UK’s biggest annual celebration of family life aiming to highlight the importance of quality time together and promote the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.

It works with hundreds of partners and supporters from major national charities to community organisations to help bring families together.

n Did you go along to the fun day or did you hold an event for National Family Week? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk