IT was ready, teddy, go in Bicester today as hundreds of children and their cuddly companions joined the town's annual Teddy Bear's Picnic.

The annual party staged by Bicester Town Council on The Garth invited dozens of families to bring their teddies to enjoy picnics and games under the sun.

With entry free, more than 1,000 people were expected to head along to enjoy a host of fun, games and children's entertainment.

Bicester mayor Sean Gaul, his wife Louise Gaul and their three-year-old son Miles were also at the event to judge the annual Best-Dressed Teddy competition.

Mrs Gaul said: "We had some dressed as astronauts, there was a giant teddy bear, a few characters such as one teddy dressed as the Pokemon Pikachu or there were some dressed at Disney princesses.

"Some children even dressed up in costume too which was really lovely to see and to have such a range of teddy bears."

The mayoral family picked their top ten best-dressed teddies then awarded the top three with vouchers for Coles Bookstore in Bicester.

Alongside the teddy bear competition, there were go karts, a climbing wall, obstacle course, exotic animal petting zoo, messy play and drumming workshops.

There was also a host of children's entertainment put on by the 'magical bubble man', a stilt performer dressed as a butterfly, and a mountain bike track.

The day proved a big success for the community and Bicester Town Council said it was fast becoming one of the most popular events for the summer in the town.

Mr Gaul added: "The event went really well. My wife and I have been going to the event for a few years now and yesterday definitely felt like the busiest yet.

"It shows the event has really taken off across the town which is great.

"I would also like to congratulate Bicester Town Council for hosting a brilliant free event for the community in Bicester."