GAZETTE & HERALD: IF you go down to The Green in June you're sure of a big surprise as children and parents gather for a special teddy bears' picnic.

The teddy bears' picnic was planned to be a family day during carnival week last year, but was washed out by poor weather.

The event won a big vote of confidence from the town council last week when it agreed to grant organisers permission to host the event on The Green this year and in the future.

Chairman of Calne Carnival Committee Jill Martin said she was delighted with the news and hopes the way is now open to establish the teddy bears' picnic as an annual event.

"There is tremendous public support for the teddy bears' picnic, where we are trying to create an old-fashioned village green event," she said.

Coun Mercy Baggs said that she was delighted. "The carnival is starting to gather momentum and I think this year will be even bigger and better than last year's," she said.

Attractions at the picnic will include straw skittles and a hunt the teddy competition.