Ref.10169CHILDREN from the Bishops Cannings Tea and Toys toddler group had a lot of fun and even raised some money with their Big Toddle in aid of children's charity Barnardo's recently.

The energetic youngsters were so excited by the obstacle course laid out for them by the group's organisers, they ran more than the four circuits of Bishops Cannings School field that had been planned for them.

Michelle Cox, one of the organisers, said: "They had a brilliant time. They just kept on running so we let them.

"We are a very small group so we weren't expecting to raise much money.

"Having said that, we have already taken £67.50 with more to come. We are allowed to keep 25 per cent for the group so we may invest that in more craft equipment, because the children really enjoy that."

The obstacle course consisted of large cardboard boxes opened out into tunnels, the bridge from a bouncy castle, bean bags, skipping ropes and other playgroup equipment.

"The children found the obstacle course so much fun, I think we will have to do it again to keep them happy," said Mrs Cox.

Now in its seventh year, the Foresters Big Toddle is claimed to be the biggest and best event for under-fives in the country. Last year over 2,000 toddler groups helped raise over £650,000 for Barnardo's work.

Organisers are hoping this year's event will turn out to be even bigger.