FOR the fourth year running, the Broadlands Residential Home in Oulton Broad opened its grounds to host a teddy bears' picnic on Saturday. But the 'guests' were not being treated to tea and cakes.

FOR the fourth year running, the Broadlands Residential Home in Oulton Broad opened its grounds to host a teddy bears' picnic on Saturday.

But the 'guests' were not being treated to tea and cakes.

More than 70 children watched on in excitement as their brave teds and cuddly toys were taken off in a train pulled by the local Sea Cadets, hauled up to the roof in a basket, before plummeting down a zip-wire amid cheers from their owners.

Every one of the courageous teds taking part was presented with a certificate to mark their daring feat.

Meanwhile, all the children received a picnic bag with sandwiches, a cake and a drink to enjoy with their furry friends.

They also enjoyed games and face-painting, while Mr Tricky Twister provided them with all manner of shapes made with balloons.

Mike Barlow, chairman of the Friends of Broadlands, said: 'A large number of the residents were able to sit on the patio and enjoy watching the youngsters playing and having fun without the aid of a computer.

'We arrange a number of events during the year to raise money for the Residents' Amenity Fund and, although the entry fee was small, with the raffle and sales of teas and cakes we should make over �200,' said Mr Barlow.

'Over the past four years, among other things, we have been able to lay a pathway all around the grounds so that the residents can access them fully, and this year our project is to build a fruit cage with integral paths so they can not only see the fruit as it grows but can help to gather it as well.

'Such things really do enhance their lives and we are very grateful for the support we receive.'

The next two events at Broadlands, in Borrow Road, are a nearly new fashion show on June 25, followed by the ever popular '50s rock and roll night on July 17 with Rod Clark and Rollercoaster.