More than 1,200 youngsters enjoyed a day out to celebrate childcare in the county.

Rain did not dampen the success of the first Picnic in the Park organised by Oxfordshire's Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

The event was held at the Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford, yesterday.

Annie Davy, speaking for the partnership, said: "This is a way of celebrating our successes and we wanted as many children as possible, from babies to 14-year-olds, to share in it.

"But there was an information side to it as well, with advice on training and career prospects for people involved in childcare. Childcarers across the county responded in their hundreds to our invitation to the celebration and we are delighted with the huge response.'

The Partnership links local authorities with private and voluntary pre-schools, playschools, nurseries, family centres and after-school clubs.