IF you went down to Farnworth yesterday, you would have had a big surprise.

More than one hundred children, soft toy friends and family members descended on New Bury Community Centre for a special teddy bears picnic.

The event was part of Urban Outreach’s Bolton Lunches project and was organised and funded by Farnworth-based construction firm Seddon with the support of the New Bury Vision Group.

Children and families attending the day enjoyed free lunches, toys, a storyteller, music by Bolton FM and a visit from Bolton mayor Cllr Lynda Byrne.

Resident Lisa Knight, aged 31, went along with her seven-year-old son Ashton Tucker and three-year-old daughter Ellyson Tucker.

She said: "There's not much goes on for them but this is really local and they love it."

She was joined by her mum Jackie, aged 52, and sister Laura Bates from Westhoughton with her two children two-year-old Kian and Kody, aged 11 months.

Mrs Bates added: "It's nice to do something like this and be part of the community."

Bolton Lunches aims to provide over 40,000 packed lunches during the summer school holidays, helping families who face a six-week struggle to afford meals.

Urban Outreach Chief Executive Dave Bagley said: "It's lovely to be able to do this and have the community lunch together. The community being together and eating lunch together, it doesn't get much better than that.

"Seddon have done everything and the contribution to the community should be applauded.

"Seeing the children enjoying themselves and the summer holiday makes it all worthwhile."

Sandwiches and snacks were provided by the work of Urban Outreach and served up with the support of the local volunteers from New Bury Vision Group.

The group runs the centre and holds activities throughout the summer holidays and other times for residents.

Member Christine Bradshaw, aged 65, said: "Events like this bring everyone together.

"Some people don't get out as much and this is the only way to get people round and mix with others.

"It's so rewarding to see here and to know it's all for the community."

Vanessa Barlow, community co-ordinator for Seddon, added: "We have over 100 children here today.

"It highlights the need within the school holiday that children do need these packed lunches and by raising awareness we will develop more support."