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 town council has agreed to allow Calne's Carnival Committee to hold a picnic on the Green as part of a family- focused day during carnival week.

The family day will form part of a series of events held in the town throughout the week preceding the parade.

Organisers hope to arrange a fundraising teddy-bear parachute from the tower of St Mary's Church before the picnic on June 4.

Carnival committee member Coun Mercy Baggs said: "I'm absolutely delighted. The Green is for the use of the people of Calne. There won't be a lot of noise and it will be a good start to the carnival and I hope residents will join in."

The carnival is organised annually by a committee, which includes members of the town council, residents and the Calne Lions.

It was revived three years ago and has proved to be a popular summer event.

Councillors agreed town events help to build a sense of community in Calne and were eager to support the picnic, which form part of a week-long series of events which will help ensure the success of the parade.

There were concerns about the environmental impact of litter left at the site, but the carnival committee assured councillors that adequate marshals would be present at the event to ensure litter is collected and disposed of after the picnic.