MORE than 100 colourful teddy bears and their owners flocked to Bremhill Social Club in Calne for an afternoon of fun and frolics at the Teddy Bear's Picnic.

The afternoon, which kicked off Calne Carnival's programme of events, was almost ruined by pranksters after organisers made a change to the venue and put up a sign letting people know about the move.

But thieves stole the sign causing confusion to children and parents on Sunday.

Organisers Calne Area Initiative for an Active Community hailed the picnic as a huge success.

Member JR Dawson said: "Those thieves did put a bit of a spanner in the works but everyone, young and old, had a thoroughly fun time.

"It is a shame on a community event like this vandals have to try and ruin it for everybody.

"My daughter Tabitha dressed up as Hong Kong Phooey and was chasing the kids around.

"It was a bit windy but everybody just got on with it to make sure the afternoon was great fun.

"It was a brilliant start to the carnival programme. I think nowadays children don't play outside often enough and it just goes to show they had great fun."

As well as face painting and mask making Carnival Queen Sam Mayo read a Beatrix Potter story outside in the woods.

Civic award winner Mr Dawson said: "It was lovely for the kids. They were running around and really enjoying themselves."

Calne Lions also added fun to the picnic by bringing a slide for the children and teddy bears to enjoy.

Mr Dawson said: "This was a fantastic start to the carnival programme and I am really positive about the carnival and hope this year will the best year ever.

"We just want to get as many people involved as possible and make this year a real community event."