IT was picnic time for teddy bears and youngsters who helped celebrate an ancient tradition in Ronkswood on Sunday.

The children turned out at Ronkswood Field to celebrate Rogation Sunday and search for cardboard teddies hidden in the grass before enjoying an al fresco feast.

The Christian ceremony - where church goers used to walk around the boundary of their parish on the fifth Sunday after Easter - was rejuvenated by the Friends of Ronkswood Fields.

Tony Baxter, chairman of the Friends, said the children also took part in another Rogation Sunday tradition - by being held upside down and "anointing" the boundary with their heads.

"It was a great day and the children really enjoyed themselves," Mrs Baxter added.